In the rich treasury of traditional Chinese culture, the 14th day of the first lunar month is endowed with multiple meanings and customs. On this day, there is not only the tradition of "Keeping the God of Wealth" and "Worshipping the Water Lady", but also "Fuxi's Birthday". Behind these customs, there are people's prayers for a better life and reverence for their ancestors.
Fortuna: The guardian of the source of wealth
On the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, the folk have the custom of "keeping the god of wealth". It is believed that if you take good care of the statue of the god of wealth in your home on this day, you will usher in a year of wealth and good luck. The image of the God of Wealth varies from place to place, but they all represent people's desire for wealth and the pursuit of a better life.
It is said that this day is also the birthday of the God of Wealth. In many places, people worship the statue of the god of wealth in the main hall of their homes, light incense and candles, and pray sincerely. Merchants and shops also hold grand festivals in the hope of prosperous business and wealth in the new year. In addition to the incense candles and offerings offered in front of the statue of the God of Wealth, some places will also hang red cloth or paste the statue of the God of Wealth at the door, which means to attract wealth and treasure.
Worship the Water Maiden: Prayer by the water's edge.
The fourteenth day of the first lunar month is still a day to worship the water lady. Linshui Niangniang, also known as "Narcissus Niangniang", is a female deity revered by the people, and it is said that she can bless women with safe childbirth and happy marriage. On this day, women from many places will come to the river or waterhole to worship the water lady and pray for family harmony and the healthy growth of children.
During the festival, people offer elaborate offerings such as fruits and cakes, as well as incense and candles. After the pious prayers, people will also perform some special rituals, such as walking around the water three times or tossing coins, etc., to show their respect and prayer for the water lady.
Fuxi's birthday: Respect ancestors and seek roots
The fourteenth day of the first lunar month is also Fuxi's birthday. Fuxi is a mythical figure in ancient Chinese legends and is revered as the ancestor of humanity. On this day, grand temple fairs and rituals are held in many places to commemorate Fuxi's great contributions.
At the temple fair on Fuxi's birthday, people can enjoy various traditional performances such as dragon dance, lion dance, stilt walking, etc. At the same time, there are various food stalls for people to taste local specialties. The sacrificial activities are even more solemn and solemn, and people will offer flowers, incense candles and offerings in front of the Fuxi Temple to express their reverence for their ancestors.
In addition to traditional temple fairs and sacrificial activities, some places will also hold modern cultural activities, such as Fuxi culture exhibitions, Fuxi story speeches, etc., so that more people can understand the profound heritage of Fuxi culture.
Characteristic customs: Lantern Festival and nail touching
On the 14th day of the first lunar month, there are still customs of hanging lanterns and touching nails in some places. The custom of hanging lanterns is to ward off "epidemics" and "bad luck" and pray for a safe and healthy new year. And touching nails is to touch the door nails in the temple, which means to eliminate bad luck and disasters, and pray for good luck. These customs reflect people's expectations for a better life and the pursuit of peace and happiness.
Cultural connotation: the blend of tradition and modernity
Behind the multiple customs of the 14th day of the first lunar month, there is a rich cultural connotation. On the one hand, these customs reflect people's reverence and worship for nature, ancestors, and gods; On the other hand, it also shows the breadth and profundity and rich diversity of traditional Chinese culture. In modern society, these traditional customs are still of great significance and value, they not only enrich people's spiritual life, but also inherit the cultural genes of the Chinese nation.
At the same time, with the development of the times and the changes of society, some traditional customs are also constantly evolving and innovating. For example, on the 14th day of the first lunar month, some places will hold modern cultural activities and sports competitions, such as theatrical performances, lantern festivals, lantern riddles, etc., so that traditional customs and modern culture are blended with each other, adding new vitality and color to the festival.
In addition, with the process of globalization and the deepening of cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, some foreign festivals and customs have gradually been integrated into traditional Chinese culture. For example, on the 14th day of the first lunar month, some cities also hold Valentine's Day-related events, making the day both traditional and fashionable.
Conclusion: Cherish and pass on
The multiple customs and cultural connotations carried on the fourteenth day of the first lunar month are an important part of traditional Chinese culture. In today's society, we should cherish these traditional customs and inherit the cultural genes of the Chinese nation. By participating in these activities and ceremonies, we can not only feel the unique charm of traditional culture, but also gain a deeper understanding of our own cultural roots and historical background. Let us work together to pass on these precious cultural heritages and inject a steady stream of cultural impetus and spiritual strength into future development.
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