The first day of the first lunar month in 2024 is the first day of the Chinese New Year, and it is also one of the most important festivals. On this day, various customs are observed to express wishes and anticipation for the New Year. Here are some common customs on the first day of the first lunar month and their implications:
On the morning of the Spring Festival, people will set off firecrackers before the door opens, which is called "opening the door to the fire". It is a ritual to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune, as well as a way to express joy and blessings. After the sound of firecrackers, the ground is full of red, which is called "full house", symbolizing the excitement and prosperity of the New Year.
New Year's greetings are an important activity in the Spring Festival, a way for people to say goodbye to the old and welcome the new, and express good wishes to each other. There are three main types of New Year's greeting objects: first, worship ancestors and gods to express respect and gratitude; the second is to worship elders and relatives and friends to show filial piety and affection; The third is to worship neighbors and colleagues to enhance friendship and harmony. There are many ways to greet the New Year, such as prostrating, bowing, bowing, shaking hands, hugging, etc., but they should be polite and respectful. During New Year's greetings, it is also necessary to say some auspicious words, such as "Wishing you prosperity", "all the best", "good health", etc., as well as sending red envelopes or gifts to show good intentions and blessings.
Rice cakes are a traditional food on the first day of the first lunar month, and there are yellow and white rice cakes in the shape of cubes, as well as sweet and salty rice cakes in round shapes. There are many ways to make rice cakes, such as boiling, frying, steaming, stir-frying, etc., and the flavors are different. The meaning of rice cake is to rise every year, step by step, and carry people's beautiful expectations for the New Year. Rice cakes also have the meaning of ancestor worship, which is an offering to ancestors and a sacrifice to future generations.
In addition to the above three customs, there are some other customs on the first day of the first lunar month, such as:
Wearing new clothes signifies a new beginning, and it is also a reward and encouragement for yourself.
Do not clean, so as not to sweep away wealth and good luck, but also for rest and relaxation.
Do not borrow, so as not to run out of money for a year, but also to avoid destroying the harmony.
Don't swear so that you don't have bad luck for a year, but also to maintain a good attitude.
The customs and meanings of the first day of the first lunar month are an important part of Chinese culture, and they are also people's sustenance and prayers for the New Year. While following the customs, we should also maintain the spirit of openness and innovation, so that the customs can keep pace with the times and be more in line with the needs and aesthetics of modern people. Wishing you a Happy New Year and all the best!