The third day of the Lunar New Year, also known as the "Xiao Nian Dynasty", is regarded as the "Day of Sending the Poor" in ancient Chinese tradition, which means to send away poverty and bad luck and welcome the wealth and good fortune of the new year. On this day, there are many customs and taboos among the people, which carry people's yearning and expectation for a better life, and also reflect the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.
1. The four major customs on the third day of the Lunar New Year
Sweep away the dust
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, every household will carry out a general cleaning to sweep away the dust and garbage inside and outside the house. This custom stems from the ancient cult of cleanliness, believing that only a clean environment can attract good luck and wealth. Sweeping away dust is not only to keep the environment clean and tidy, but also to sweep away the bad luck of the year and open a new beginning for the new year.
Burn the door god paper
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, people burn the paper that was pasted on the door in the previous year. This custom symbolizes the removal of the door god and the entry of new wealth and good fortune into the home. During the burning of the paper, people will silently recite some auspicious words to pray for a safe and prosperous new year.
Rat marry
In some places, there is also the custom of "rats marrying" on the third day of the Lunar New Year. People will place some food and lights in their homes to "do happy things" for mice. Although this custom may seem peculiar, it actually embodies people's respect for life and yearning for harmonious coexistence. It is believed that by being kind to small animals such as rats, good karma can be accumulated and bring good luck and fortune for the new year.
Go to bed early and wake up late
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, people usually go to bed early and wake up late to maintain sufficient energy. This custom is because in ancient times, people believed that the third day of the Lunar New Year was "Red Dog Day", and it was not advisable to go out and activities, and should rest at home. Although this taboo is no longer strictly followed in modern society, the habit of going to bed early and waking up late is still retained by many people as a healthy lifestyle.
Second, the five taboos on the third day of the Lunar New Year
Do not visit relatives and friends
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, there is a saying of "Red Dog Day", which is not suitable for going out to visit relatives and friends. Because "red dog" symbolized bad luck in ancient cultures, people would avoid going out on this day to avoid mishaps. Although these sayings are no longer superstitious in modern society, this taboo is still preserved in some places.
Do not use knives and scissors
The taboo of using knives and scissors on the third day of the Lunar New Year is because people believe that using knives and scissors on this day will provoke disputes between right and wrong and tongues. In order to avoid unnecessary disputes and conflicts, people will try to avoid using sharp objects such as knives and scissors on this day. This taboo reflects people's yearning for a harmonious life and the expectation of a better interpersonal relationship.
Avoid eating rice
In some places, there is a custom of avoiding eating rice on the third day of the Lunar New Year. It is believed that eating rice on this day will lead to a reduction in grain production or bad financial luck for the family. As a result, people choose to eat foods like noodles or dumplings instead of rice on this day. Although this taboo has gradually faded in modern society, it is still followed by some people in some rural areas.
Do not light the lamp
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, people avoid lighting up their lights at night. This is because in ancient times people believed that lighting lamps would disturb the peace of the gods and ancestors, thus bringing misfortune and disaster to the family. Although these beliefs are no longer superstitious in modern society, this taboo is still preserved in some places and has become a unique cultural phenomenon.
Do not do laundry
Washing clothes on the third day of the Lunar New Year is because people believe that washing clothes on this day will lead to the loss of wealth. In order to avoid the risk of breaking the bank, people will choose to avoid washing clothes on this day. Although this taboo may seem superstitious and outdated in modern society, it reflects people's cherishing of wealth and yearning for a better life.
In general, the "4 customs and 5 taboos" on the third day of the Lunar New Year are an important part of traditional Chinese culture. They not only carry people's yearning and expectation for a better life, but also reflect the profound cultural heritage and unique way of thinking of the Chinese nation.
Please watch the fireworks