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Touching a tree trunk for good luck. |
New Year's Eve is the day for family reunions. A ceremonious family banquet is held, generally in the evening, for all family members. If there are those who have difficulty returning home, the family nevertheless lays them a place at the table, thus symbolizing a complete family reunion. The dinner dishes include everything: meats, vegetables, tidbits, rice, buns and noodles. Fish is a must, for luck, as the Chinese word for fish is pronounced the same way as that for "surplus."
It is the custom for people to stay up all night on New Year's eve, so children are generally the happiest of the company that evening. They are allowed to run about carrying beautiful lanterns, and to set off firecrackers. Finally, at midnight, a bell peals sonorously to announce the arrival of New Year, and everyone joyfully exchanges greetings while fireworks illuminate the sky as a new year commences.
The following morning, ceremonies are performed at the family altar, thanking gods and ancestors for the blessings received during the year, and the younger generation kowtows to the older generation to express their respect. In return, the older generation presents to their young money wrapped in red paper, together with oral instructions and encouragement. It is during Spring Festival that those who have harbored grudges or resentment against one another may, within this warm and celebratory atmosphere, be reconciled.
Following this, everyone goes out to visit relatives and friends. According to historical records of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), both officials and common people would go out to pay New Year calls on their friends, and roads would be crowded for several days. Two other activities on the second day of the first lunar month are married daughters going back to their parents' home, and the family gathering together to greet the god of wealth.
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Sonorous bells announce the beginning of a New Year. |
According to folklore, mice marry on the third day of the first lunar month, so no lamps are lit that night for fear of disturbing a mouse wedding, and rice and salt are left on the floor as presents to the newly-weds.
On the fourth day of the first lunar month, the gods are supposed to descend to the world, and so on the afternoon of that day, offerings are placed on the family altar, and incense is burned to greet them.
It is on the fifth day of the first lunar month that people return to their normal routine, and activities like cooking, and taking out household garbage, rather than keeping it indoors so as not to throw away good luck along with the rubbish, resume. Shops also recommence business on this day.
February 2002 China Today