As the footsteps of the new year draw near, many families are busy preparing for this festival full of hope and blessings. While modern society has evolved in its ways of celebration, the older generation continues to uphold traditional customs, hoping to bring peace and prosperity in the coming year. For children, understanding these traditions not only enhances their bond with family but also allows them to experience the charm of culture. Let’s uncover the important rituals of the 15 days before and after the Lunar New Year and explore the fascinating customs and taboos!
The Beginning of New Year Rituals: From the 23rd Day of the Twelfth Month to New Year's Day
- 23rd Day of the Twelfth Month: Worshipping the Kitchen God
On this day, families prepare offerings such as rice balls, roasted pork, and maltose candies to express gratitude to the Kitchen God. It is believed that the Kitchen God returns to the heavens to report to the Jade Emperor at the year’s end. Children can participate in preparing food, experiencing the spirit of gratitude as the kitchen fills with warmth and laughter. - 24th Day of the Twelfth Month: Frying Festivities
After thanking the Kitchen God, the 24th day is for "firing up the wok!" Families gather to knead dough and prepare delicious fried snacks such as sesame balls, dumplings, and crispy fritters. Imagine the sizzling oil, the aroma wafting through the air, and children bustling around the kitchen, bringing festive joy to the household. - 25th Day of the Twelfth Month: Steaming Cakes
Families steam a variety of cakes on this day, each symbolizing a blessing: rice cakes represent "rising every year," sponge cakes signify wealth, and turnip cakes symbolize good fortune. Children can learn the meanings behind these traditional treats, making the flavors of the new year even sweeter. - 28th Day of the Twelfth Month: Cleaning Day
"On the 28th, clean away the grime; if not cleaned, how will prosperity shine?" Families thoroughly clean their homes on this day, symbolizing the washing away of bad luck. Picture children wielding brooms, working together with their families to prepare for a fresh start, embodying the spirit of unity. - 29th Day of the Twelfth Month: Hanging Spring Couplets
After cleaning, households start decorating with spring couplets. Red banners with auspicious phrases bring a vibrant atmosphere. Children learn to convey blessings through words and understand the meanings behind each phrase, filling the home with hope for the new year. - New Year's Eve: Family Reunion and Celebrating Laziness
On New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner, the highlight of the festivities. After the meal, children eagerly anticipate receiving red envelopes, symbolizing blessings and good fortune. Though the old tradition of "celebrating laziness" has faded, the joy and anticipation remain cherished memories. - The First to Fifteenth Day of Lunar New Year
New Year's Day: Visiting and Greetings
On the first day of the new year, people wear new clothes and visit family and friends, bringing blessings. Taboos include no sweeping or hair washing to avoid "sweeping away" fortune. Children learn these traditions and practice speaking auspicious phrases, adding to the festive cheer.「Red envelopes」 symbolize blessings and good fortune. (Photo/Heho Parenting)
- Second Day: Returning to the Maternal Home
This day, married daughters return to their maternal homes with their spouses, bringing paired gifts as symbols of good luck. It’s a day filled with familial warmth and love, teaching children the importance of maintaining family connections. - Third Day: Red Dog Day
Known as "Red Dog Day," it’s considered a day prone to arguments. Elders often advise staying home to avoid conflicts. In Hong Kong, many visit Che Kung Temple to pray for peace, making the day meaningful. - Fourth Day: Welcoming the Kitchen God
Families prepare offerings of fruits and dishes to welcome the return of the deities. Children can participate in the ritual, experiencing its sacred atmosphere, filling the home with blessings. - Fifth Day: Sending Away Poverty
The fifth day, known as "Breaking Five," lifts New Year taboos. Families clean, light firecrackers, and eat dumplings to "send away poverty" and usher in good fortune. It’s also the God of Wealth’s birthday, when businesses reopen with grand offerings for prosperity. - Seventh Day: Humanity’s Day
The seventh day celebrates "Human Day," the birthday of all humanity. Families prepare seven-vegetable soup or congee for the occasion. It’s a joyful day where children learn about the significance of life and gratitude.
The eighth day of the Lunar New Year is considered the birthday of grains. Families worship the spirit of grains and refrain from eating cooked grains, symbolizing the importance of cherishing food. (Photo/Heho Parenting)
- Eighth Day: Grain Day
On the eighth day, families worship grain deities and abstain from cooked grains to symbolize cherishing food. It’s an opportunity for children to understand the importance of agriculture and gratitude for nature’s gifts. - Ninth Day: Praying to the Jade Emperor
The ninth day marks the Jade Emperor’s birthday. Families prepare offerings to celebrate. Taboos include avoiding drying clothes, showing respect to the heavens. Children learn values of reverence and gratitude. - Fifteenth Day: Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival marks the first full moon of the lunar new year. Families enjoy glutinous rice balls, admire lanterns, and solve riddles to celebrate. Known as "Chinese Valentine’s Day," it’s a night of love and romance, captivating children with its enchanting atmosphere.
Preserving Culture and Strengthening Bonds
The Lunar New Year is not just a time for celebration but also an opportunity to strengthen family bonds. Through these customs and taboos, children gain a deep understanding of cultural heritage while experiencing the warmth of family. Let’s look forward to this new year and share these precious traditions with loved ones!
Source: Heho Parenting