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Most of us love festive seasons for the long holidays. However, when asked about the significance of the festivals, not all of us can explain it. That got us wondering, how many of us really know the traditions behind each festival? As Chinese New Year is approaching (in less than a week!), we’ve come up with 5 traditions that the millennials might not know.
1. Worshipping the ‘Kitchen God’
Do you know that it’s believed that on 23rdday of the 12th lunar month, the Kitchen God would make a year-end report of sorts about everyone’s going-ons in the household to be presented to the Jade Emperor of Heaven?
Based on this report, the Emperor would then shorten or lengthen a person’s life accordingly.
So to make the Kitchen God happy, he is given offerings in the form of cakes and nuts so that he would only have good things to report.
The significance behind this is that people should always wish for a smooth, wealthy and healthy expectation for the future.
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2. Your zodiac year is YOUR year of bad luck
Your zodiac year (本命年—běn mìng nián) is your zodiac animal. There are a total of 12 Chinese zodiacs, and the year of the zodiac that you fall under is believed to be the unluckiest for you. There are multiple explanations for this – for one, the Chinese believe that children can easily be abducted by demons. During this year, your weapon of defense is the colour red. Hence, some superstitious believers opt to wear red as often as possible, even to the extent of wearing red undergarments every day of the year!
We thought our zodiac year was OUR year but it turns out it’s not? * Sighs*
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3. Staying up on the eve of CNY
Legend has it that the fierce monster, Nian (who was later defeated by people, which marks the new year) would come on the eve to harm people and cause damage. To avoid its attack, everyone used to stay up the whole night and stay sober. This time was used to chit-chat among family members, watch TV, or play Mahjong.
However, since it’s very difficult these days to stay awake overnight, people choose to overlook this tradition.
But this sounds very interesting, don’t you think? Get that Mahjong table already!
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4. The fifth day is associated with the God of Fortune (财神 Cái shén).
On this day, windows and doors are left open to let him visit the house. It is also another day where firecrackers are let off to welcome good fortune for the year ahead. In a reverse of the previous day of welcome, the next day is the day to send the God of Poverty packing, according to folklore. In some regions symbolic carts and boats are decorated and food placed on them (rice and potatoes) to encourage him to leave.
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5. The Lantern Festival marks the end of CNY
The first full moon of the lunar year appears during the Lantern Festival or Yuanxiao Festival (元宵节—yuán xiāo jié). Back in the day, girls weren’t allowed to venture out themselves during the night. However, a special exception is granted during the Lantern Festival, as they were able to enjoy the bright moon and the beautiful lanterns. As a result, it is also known as Valentine’s Day in China.
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Well, how many of these did you know? If you know about them all, kudos! If you don’t, it’s a great time to ask your grandparents and family members this Chinese New Year!
Info via Star2.com , TravelChinaGuide.com