Chinese New Years Customs (Part 4): 2nd- 15th Day

From this point on of the Chinese New Years customs, I do not think any tradition that could prevent you from having fun, except telling you what each day is about. In the modern day of China, even its young people do not know what happen after the first New Year day.

Not to mention, I have talk to my entire Chinese and Taiwanese friends and they are pretty much could care less about the days after the 1st of New Year. All they care about is spending time with their family and food.

After having all this information, I can only drawn up one conclusion is that you do not need to read this article. I wrote this article for people, who like to build up their knowledge. So if you do not have time or do not like to read, you can skip this section at ease.

Also, a little side note. The 2nd and 3rd day sometimes is interchangeable, because it depends on which region of China. So if you read that the days have different order elsewhere, just know that nobody is wrong. The information depends on where that person lives.

I will write in the common order that everyone is use to. Also, this article will not have a summary section, because each day is pretty straight forward.

2nd day

On this day, the daughter, who is already married is able come home and visit her family. Traditionally, the married daughter is rarely able to come home to visit her own parents. This is a good chance for the daughter to do so.

Sometimes the wife will not go home on this day, since she may want to stay and help the in-law. So, most wives will go back on the 3rd. (This could explain, why the 2nd and 3rd day interchangeable)

Also on this day, the people will be extra nice to the dogs by not eating them (I'm just joking). People believe that this is the dog's birthday.

3rd and 4th day

This day is dedicated to the ancestors. Families will go out to family tombs and temples to show their respect. Each person will take turn and put incents in front of the tombs. Also, you will see some families burning paper money as well.

5th day

The 5th day is also known as the Po Woo. After the Kitchen God report the family deeds to the Jade Emperor, he will go back to the family. Kitchen God sometimes goes by the name of God of Stove or God of Fortune.

Family will welcome the Kitchen God with a few sweet dish, fruit, and wine. One thing many people, including myself, like to touch the Kitchen God's belly for luck. Come on, blackjack.

In Chinese New Years customs, friends should not visit each other, because it will bring bad luck to both families. Why? Sorry, I do not know, just something that everybody follows.

After 4 days of holiday, many businesses will be open on the 5th day. Dragon and lion dances will perform in front of the businesses for luck. To me, people pray not just for the Kitchen God but for the "Shopping" god as well.

If you like shopping, this day could be a good day to do so. Why? I got an answer for this one. Many stores will always give out red packets for the first few customers who walk into the store; as well as special deals. It is equivalent to the "Black Friday" in America, but little bit more expensive.

6th day

7th day

One thing about the noodle is that it have to be long and the string of noodle can not be break into small sections. This is hard to find a restaurant able to do this, but if you could, it will be wonderful experience.

The second dish you need to eat is raw fish. As I mention, fish symbolizes for "Plenty" and "Wealth." Eating fish translates to more money next year.

8th day

9th day

Unmarried women will also go to the temple to pray for their love life. If you are single, hint, hint.

10th- 13th day

You may ask, what is the story behind "Choi Sum ?" Sorry, there is no story. It just helps people to avoid diarrhea (hehe). I got you excited for a second there, didn't I?

However, there is a history behind the 13th day. Trust me this time. This day is dedicated to the General Guan Yu, also known as the Chinese God of War.

Guan Yu was born in the Han dynasty and is consider the greatest general in China history. He represents loyal, strength, truth, and justice. According to history, he was tricked by the enemy and got beheaded.

Almost every organizations and businesses in China will pray to Guan Yu. Yes, even gangsters. Before his life ended, Guan Yu had won over one hundred battles and that is a goal that all businesses in China want to accomplish. In a way, people look at him as the God of Wealth or the God of Success.

14th and 15th days

On the 14th, people will prepare for the Lantern Festival. People will start to build their lantern, and some will use this opportunity to show off. The following day, the 15th, is celebrating Lantern Festival. Click here to read more.

Thank you for reading and this is the last article on Chinese New Years customs. From where I am and wherever you are, have a warm night and "Gong Xi Fa Cai," everybody.

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