(Continued from Tuesday’s Page 15) Day 3 of the 1st month On the third day, people will wish each other “have a fat pig at the door,” implying good luck and happiness. Traditionally, the third day is known as “赤狗日” (day of the red dog). Chinese folklore says that the red dog is the God of Blazing Wrath, who lives in the South and governs summer days. Therefore, it is considered an unlucky day to have guests or go visiting others. Traditionally people stay home and offer sacrifices to gods and ancestors on this day. Day 4 of the 1st month People say the auspicious words “Three rams bring bliss” to each other on the fourth day, hoping a good beginning will bring a successful year. According to folklore, it is also the day to welcome back the Kitchen God. On this day, the Kitchen God will inspect the household and therefore people prefer to stay home. Day 5 of the 1st month The fifth day is called the “day of cow.” According to Chinese folklore, the first seven days of the 1st lunar month are respectively called “day of chicken,” “day of dog,” “day of pig,” “day of sheep,” “day of cow,” “day of horse” and “day of man.” According to Chinese mythology, goddess Nu Wa, who created all living beings on Earth, created the six creatures before human beings. The fifth day is also the birthday of the God of Fortune, which people celebrate by having a big banquet. Day 6 of the 1st month On the sixth day, people say “马到成功” (riding on the horse of victory) to each other. Traditionally, families would send away the Ghost of Poverty on this day. With that in mind, Chinese people will throw away their ragged clothes, rubbish and other dirty things. Day 7 of the 1st month The seventh day is the “day of man,” and in most parts of China people will eat noodles, which symbolize longevity. Day 8 of the 1st month The eighth day is believed to be the birthday of millet, an important crop in ancient China. According to folk belief, if this day is bright and clear, the year will see a good harvest. However, if this day is cloudy or rainy, people may have to prepare for the worst. People also set free captive animals on this day, hoping that all living beings will flourish in the new year. Day 9 of the 1st month The ninth day is the birthday of the Jade Emperor. There will be grand ceremonies in Taoist temples, while common folks also offer sacrifices to the god. Day 10 of the 1st month The 10th day is the birthday of the God of Stone, who played an important role in the agricultural society of ancient China. On this day, people are forbidden from moving any stones, including stone rollers, stone mills and herb grinders. People also burn incense and candles and offer pancakes to the God of Stone. Day 11 of the 1st month People make offerings to Zi Gu, the guardian angel for women, on the 11th day. This day is also for fathers-in-law to entertain their sons-in-law. In many areas, after this day, people will start preparing for the Lantern Festival. Day 12 of the 1st month Families buy lanterns and build a lantern shack where they hang the lanterns on the 12th day. Traditionally people also hide their scissors and light a bonfire of cypress branches to wish for good health for their families. Day 13 of the 1st month On the 13th day, preparations for the Lantern Festival continue. Day 14 of the 1st month The 14th day is the birthday of the Goddess of Linshui, who is believed to protect women from dying during childbirth. People make offerings to the goddess on this day. Day 15 of the 1st month This day is the Lantern Festival. Early in the day, firecrackers are lit and dragon and lion dancers parade on streets crowded with people. In the evening, families go out together to enjoy the full moon and colorful lanterns. They also try to solve riddles put up on the lanterns. Chinese people also eat a dumpling made of glutinous rice flour, which symbolizes family togetherness and reunion. This day officially marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. (Chinadaily.com.cn) | 