Embracing Tradition: The Do's and Don'ts of Lunar New Year Celebrations

Marking the commencement of the Lunar New Year on February 10, 2024, communities worldwide prepare to engage in a rich tapestry of traditions and customs that promise prosperity, happiness, and health. The celebration unfolds over the first eight days of the lunar calendar, with each day steeped in its own unique practices and beliefs. These customs, ranging from the vibrant festivities of the first day (初一) to the business reopening rituals on the eighth day (初八), or Qi Shi (启市), are designed to enhance the auspiciousness of the new year. This blog post aims to explore these age-old traditions, guiding you through the do's and don'ts of the Lunar New Year, ensuring you celebrate this significant festival in true harmony with its enduring heritage.

Day 1 (初一)2024/02/10: Welcoming the New Year

• Do: Welcome the new year with open arms by wearing new clothes, preferably in red, to attract good luck and joy. Greet your family with auspicious words and phrases to bless each other.
• Don't: Refrain from washing your hair or clothes to avoid washing away good luck. Also, avoid using sharp objects like knives, as it's believed to cut off the fortune.

Day 2 (初二)2024/02/11: Honoring Ancestors and Family

• Do: Pay homage to ancestors, recognizing their contributions and importance in your life. It's also considered the birthday of all dogs, so treat pets with special kindness.
• Don't: Avoid visiting in-laws, as tradition reserves this day for the wife’s family to rest at home.

Day 3 (初三)2024/02/12: The Day of Chi Kou (赤口)

• Do: It's advised to stay low-key on this day. Engage in peaceful activities at home, such as reading or meditating, to avoid the ill-luck associated with Chi Kou, which translates to "Red Mouth" and is associated with arguments and conflict.
• Don't: It’s traditionally seen as inauspicious to visit friends and family or host gatherings, as doing so may lead to disagreements or misunderstandings.

Day 4 (初四)2024/02/13: The Day of the Sheep

• Do: For some communities, this day is associated with the God of Wealth, and businesses in certain regions might choose to open on this day with ceremonies to welcome prosperity. Families might consume foods associated with luck and abundance.
• Don't: Continue to avoid visits and social gatherings to minimize conflicts. The focus remains on family and close-knit interactions.

Day 5 (初五)2024/02/14: Welcoming the God of Wealth

• Do: This day is marked by welcoming the God of Wealth, with many businesses traditionally choosing to open and resume operations. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to invite prosperity and good fortune into homes and businesses. Eating dumplings symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
• Don't: Avoid throwing out trash and sweeping floors to prevent discarding the newly arrived luck and wealth.

Day 6 (初六)2024/02/15: Visiting Friends and Temples

• Do: Visiting friends, relatives, and neighbors resumes, symbolizing the strengthening of community ties. Many also visit temples to pray for a prosperous year ahead.
• Don't: There are fewer restrictions, but it's still advised to maintain a positive demeanor and avoid unlucky words or topics.

Day 7 (初七)2024/02/16: The Day of the Human

• Do: Known as "Ren Ri" (人日), the common man's birthday, it’s customary to eat "seven vegetable soup" (七菜羹), which is believed to bring good health. People celebrate by enjoying nature and the outdoors.
• Don't: Specific taboos are less common on this day, but the general practice of speaking positively and avoiding unlucky actions continues.

Day 8 (初八)2024/02/17: Qi Shi (启市)

• Do: Businesses traditionally hold opening ceremonies on this day if they haven't already resumed operations. Qi Shi involves rituals to attract good luck and prosperity, such as offering prayers, displaying festive decorations, and sometimes lion dances. It’s a day of optimism, looking forward to the business year.
• Don't: While the day is focused on prosperity and business success, it's still important to avoid negative speech and actions that could reverse the fortunes of the new year.

General Practices Throughout the New Year Period

• Do: Decorate your home with symbols of prosperity, such as lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings. Keep the atmosphere joyous and the environment clean.
• Don't: Speak negatively, mention death, or use unlucky words. Maintaining a positive outlook is key to attracting good fortune.

Conclusion The Lunar New Year is a time of joy, reflection, and community, deeply enriched by its customs and traditions. By adhering to these do's and don'ts, you honor the wisdom of generations past, inviting luck, health, and prosperity into your life and the lives of those around you. As we step into the New Year, let us embrace these practices with respect and anticipation for the blessings they bring.

Remember, while traditions provide a roadmap for celebrations, the spirit of the New Year is ultimately about renewal, hope, and the promise of good things to come.