Xiao Nian, also known as the "Sacrificial Stove Festival", occupies an important place in traditional Chinese culture, especially in the northern region, where it marks the beginning of the Spring Festival and is usually celebrated on the 23rd or 24th day of the lunar month. The origin of Xiao Nian is closely related to the ancient custom of sacrificing stoves, which originated from the worship of the stove god by the ancient Chinese people.
According to legend, the god of the stove is the ** of the heavenly realm, responsible for recording the good deeds and faults of the family in the past year, and reporting to the Jade Emperor on the day of the young year. In order to allow the god of the stove to repay more good deeds and less to mention the faults when he ascends to heaven, every household will carry out the ritual of sacrificing the stove, using sweets such as sweets and pastries to "bribe" the god of the stove to make his "mouth" sweet, thus bringing good luck and happiness in the coming year.
In the north, in addition to sacrificial stoves, the celebration of the New Year also includes various customs such as cleaning, attaching doors, and hanging lanterns to welcome the Spring Festival. Every household is busy, cleaning the house, removing the old and making the new, and welcoming the arrival of the new year with the cleanest environment. Therefore, Xiao Nian has also become the starting point of the half-month-long celebration of the Spring Festival, which is full of strong festive atmosphere and family warmth.
The traditional customs of Xiaonian not only reflect the Chinese's wish for family harmony and social stability, but also show the profound cultural heritage and respect for tradition of the Chinese nation. Although some customs have changed over time, Xiao Nian is still one of the indispensable and important festivals in the hearts of the people of the north, carrying good expectations for the future and deep affection for their families.