The traditional custom of sacrificial stoves has been practiced in Chinese folk for a long time and is regarded as a very important activity. There are different ways of celebrating in different regions, but basically every household performs the ritual of sacrificing the stove. The twenty-third day of the lunar month is a small year in the northern region, and it is also the day of the sacrifice to the stove, on this day, every household will put offerings in front of the stove and sacrifice to the king of the stove. The purpose of the sacrificial stove is to hope that the king of the stove can bless the family with peace and happiness and a smooth life in the new year. In ancient times, it was believed that the Lord of the Stove was the patron saint of the family, and all the well-being of the family was closely related to him. Therefore, on this day of the New Year, the sacrificial stove is regarded as an important ceremony to bless the prince of the stove to be able to present good things to the Jade Emperor and bless himself and his family with peace and smoothness.
The memory of the giant was loaded until the 25th century, and every year on the day of the small year, people not only prepare offerings for the lord of the stove, but also carry out a series of folk customs related to the ritual of the stove. So this day can be said to be one of the busiest days. People wake up early, clean the stoves, rooms, and other places throughout the house, and prepare food and gifts to be offered. Offerings usually include various delicacies such as fruits, sweets, biscuits, and items such as paper money, red envelopes, etc. Before the ritual begins, people will light incense candles and then chant in unison the slogan "The Lord of the Stove has arrived" to welcome the arrival of the Lord of the Stove. After that, each family will bow and kowtow to the Lord of the Stove to express their respect and gratitude to him.
The ritual of sacrificing the stove is very solemn in the northern region, and people will put incense, burn paper money, and set off firecrackers in front of the stove. Then, the family sits around the stove and tastes the offerings of the sacrificial stove together. At this time, families will get together to eat and wish each other well. They will pray to the Lord of the Stove for peace, happiness and success in the new year, and hope that the whole family can be healthy and successful. There are specific procedures and rules for the ritual, and the family members will be very solemn and serious throughout the process.
In ancient societies, poor families often faced difficulties after the festival of the stove. This is because they may have incurred debts due to financial hardship, resulting in a situation where they cannot repay. The so-called "fatal sacrificial stove" refers to the predicament at this time, which makes people uneasy and afraid. The second half of this proverb, "life-saving Spring Festival", refers to the fact that after the Chinese New Year's Eve, people will put on Spring Festival, which symbolizes new beginnings and hope. For those poor families who owe debts, the sticking of Spring Festival couplets means that there is a chance to breathe and usher in a new turnaround. Because after the Spring Festival is posted in the Chinese New Year's Eve, outsiders can no longer enter the home, and creditors cannot come to collect debts. In this way, the poor can temporarily escape the trouble of debt, have a respite, and start their lives again.
The embodiment of the wisdom of the ancients can be seen not only from the customs of antiquity, but also from this proverb. Although the standard of living in modern society has improved greatly, the gap between the rich and the poor is no longer so obvious. However, in this modern society, people still face various troubles and challenges. People get stuck in a rut for a variety of reasons and feel helpless. And to solve these problems, it is not achieved overnight, and it takes a lot of effort and wisdom.
Just as the ancients found hope through sacrificial stoves and spring couplets in difficult situations, we modern people can also draw wisdom from them and find solutions to problems. When we are faced with difficulties, we might as well stop, find a quiet place, meditate and find a solution to the problem. We can ask for help and advice from those around us, and we can also increase our knowledge and insights by reading, researching, and studying. In the process of finding solutions, we need to maintain a positive mindset and believe that there is always a solution to the problem. Whether it is a sacrificial stove or a Spring Festival couplet, it is a way for people to find hope and turnaround, reminding us not to give up in the difficult situation and to be confident in the future.
Today's society is changing very rapidly, and each of us is facing a variety of different challenges and pressures. Sometimes, we may encounter some seemingly unsolvable problems and get lost. However, we need to believe that behind every adversity there is a silver lining. We can find inspiration from the wisdom of the ancients, not give up our efforts, face problems positively, and believe that we have the ability to overcome difficulties.
And in modern society, we can also face difficulties in other ways. For example, we can use technology to find more information and resources, and seek professional help. At the same time, we should also maintain an optimistic attitude, believe in our own abilities and potential, and firmly believe that the difficulties will eventually pass and the sun will always shine on us again. In the face of difficulties, we can learn from the wisdom of the ancients, bravely face problems, find a way out, and make life better.
In short, in the custom of sacrificial stoves, we can not only see the piety and reverence of the ancient people, but also feel their wisdom and courage in the face of difficulties. Whether ancient or modern, we must learn from this wisdom, believe in our own abilities, bravely face difficulties and challenges, and move firmly towards our goals in pursuit of a better life. No matter what kind of difficulties we encounter, we must believe that life will give us a new opportunity, and through our own efforts and wisdom, we will definitely be able to overcome difficulties and achieve our goals and dreams.