The 15-Day Celebration of Chinese New Year

The first day of the Lunar New Year is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth. "Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.

On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.

The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law. The fourth day is also the first day that stores open for business.

The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.

On the sixth to the 10^th day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. The sixth day is also the first day for government agencies to open for service.

The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers

make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.

On the eighth day, it is called the Bud Gwa Day and people visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health. The Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.

The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor.

The 10th through the 12th are days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner. After so much rich food, on the 13th day you should have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to clean the system.

The 14th day should be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival which is to be held on the 15th night.

The 15^th day is the last day of celebration. People will eat dumplings symbolized reunion. It is also called the Lantern Festival. Lanterns with word puzzles are displayed at night and people will get prizes if they solve the word puzzle. This was the only day of a year that young women were allowed to go out of their homes in the old days. Many young ladies meet their mates the first time at the festival. So the 15^th day is also considered the Chinese Valentine's day.