On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, send poor ghosts .

Mondo Culture Updated on 2024-02-16

Sending poor ghosts on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year is a unique custom in traditional Chinese culture, which contains rich cultural connotations and folk beliefs. In traditional Chinese culture, poor ghosts are regarded as an evil spirit that brings poverty and misfortune. It is believed that by sending poor ghosts, evil spirits can be driven away and poverty and misfortune can be avoided in their families. This belief reflects the desire and pursuit of a happy life among the ancient Chinese.

On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, people perform some special rituals to send off poor ghosts. Women would collect the garbage from their homes, put it in bags, and throw it out, symbolizing the destituteness and misfortune that would be sent away. At the same time, the hanging note on the door will also be taken off and thrown out at the same time as a sign of poverty. In the process of sending off the poor, people will also set off firecrackers, beat gongs and drums, etc., to drive away the poor ghosts and pray for a safe and auspicious new year.

The custom of sending poor ghosts is not only a manifestation of folk beliefs, but also contains profound symbolic meanings. By sending the poor ghosts, people express their disgust and rejection of poverty and misfortune, and at the same time, they also express their yearning and pursuit of a better life. This symbolism reflects the values and attitudes of the ancient Chinese people.

The custom of sending poor ghosts has different manifestations and regional characteristics in various parts of China. For example, in some regions, a grand temple fair or procession is held on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year to ward off poor spirits and pray for a good harvest and prosperity in the new year. In some rural areas, farmers hold ceremonies in the fields to pray for a good harvest and good animal prosperity in the new year.

In addition to the ritual of sending poor ghosts, there are also some folk tales and legends related to it. The most famous of these is the legend about Liu Sanjie. It is said that Liu Sanjie was a beautiful and intelligent woman who fought against the poor ghosts by singing and eventually expelled them from the village, so that the villagers could live a happy life. This story not only shows the wisdom and courage of the Chinese people, but also further enriches the cultural connotation of the custom of sending poor ghosts.

In modern society, although some young people may be unfamiliar with the traditional custom of sending poor ghosts or no longer participate in it, it is still passed down and carried forward in some areas. Every year on the sixth day of the first lunar month, some rural and urban communities still hold various activities to send poor ghosts, attracting many people to participate. These activities are not only the inheritance and promotion of traditional culture, but also the prayer and pursuit of a happy life.

In general, sending poor ghosts on the sixth day of the lunar month is a unique and rich cultural custom in traditional Chinese culture. It not only reflects the beliefs and pursuits of the ancient Chinese, but also reflects their desire and yearning for a happy life. This custom occupies an important place in Chinese folk culture and has become a unique cultural phenomenon. Through its inheritance, innovation and development, we can better understand and carry forward China's excellent traditional culture, and enhance our sense of national identity and cultural self-confidence.

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