Chinese New Year – Fifteen Days of Celebration
February 5th 2019 marks the start of the Chinese New Year Celebrations. Celebrations start on this day and last for fifteen days until the time of the full moon.
On each of the fifteen days, a different god is worshipped. Respect is shown to family, friends and ancestors.
Fifteen Days of Chinese Celebrations for the New Year
Family, friends, praying to gods and spirits and ancestor worshiping all form a special part in the fifteen days of Chinese New Year celebrations. The first day of the New Year is when the Spirit of the House is acknowledged. On this day, the gods of the heavens and earth are also welcomed. Also on this day, the oldest and most senior members of the family might be visited, to strengthen family ties.
The 2nd day is when the Chinese pray to their ancestors and the gods. Dogs are fed well today as it is believed this second day is the birthday of all gods. This is also the day of the son-in-law when husbands escort their wives home to visit their families.
The 3rd day is Red Dog day according to the Chinese Farming Calendar. Because red is a colour associated with anger, people try to rest and take it easy today so they don’t get angry. Families who have recently deceased relatives will not go out visiting on this day out of respect for the dead.
The 4th day is when the God of Stove is acknowledged in a welcome ceremony after noon. Fruit, food, cake and wine are shared as the God of Stove returns to the house for the year ahead. This is also known to some as Birthday of Sheep.
The 5th day sees most people returning to work and going about their daily
business. The God of Wealth is worshipped today. This is also acknowledged by some as the Birthday of Ox and Cattle.
The 6th day is the anniversary of the death of the Clear Water Grand Master. He was a monk who prayed for rain many times to save people during the drought. Performances on the streets celebrate his anniversary. On this day, visits are made to temples, relatives and friends. This day is also acknowledged by some to be Birthday of the Horse.
The 7th day is Human Day. This lunar day of the year represents the birthday of all humans. This is a day when farmers display their produce. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity. Relatives and friends are visited.
The 8th day is Completion Day. If people haven’t yet returned to their normal routines, this is when they should do so. All food that was prepared for Chinese New Year should be finished or thrown out on this day.
The 9th day marks the birthday of Jade Emperor or the King of Heaven. He lives in the 33rd heaven and governs 33 heavens; Chinese who visit his temple today pray for better luck, health, love or money.
The 10th day is Eating Day when food from previous celebrations is enjoyed.
The 11th day is the Break Day; a day of rest from celebrations.
The 12th day will see people starting to prepare for the Lantern Festival.
The 13th day of the Chinese New Year Festival marks the anniversary of the death of General Kuan Yu. Chinese who visit his temple today will pray for safety and money luck.
The 14th day is the Lantern Decoration when people bring their lanterns to temples and squares to display for the competition.
The 15th day is the Lantern Festival. During these celebrations there will be a laser show, firecrackers, fireworks and music concerts. It is also customary on this day to eat special sweet dumplings called yuanxiao resembling the shape of the full moon. After the Lantern Festival on the 15th day, people return to normal life and settle into another new year.
