In the vast land of China, the 23rd and 24th of the lunar month are both small years, but they represent the traditions of the north and the south respectively. The Northern Little Year, also known as the Stove Festival, is an important festival in the northern region. On this day, people will sacrifice stoves and sweep dust to welcome the arrival of the new year. Although there is a difference of one day in time, it also carries the yearning of the southern people for a better life.
Historically, the North and South have been on the same day. Until the Ming Dynasty, the political and cultural center moved north, and the emperor held a ceremony to worship the heavens on the 23rd day of the lunar month, and at the same time worshiped the king of the stove on the 24th. In order to save trouble, the small year time was advanced to the twenty-third day of the lunar month, so far the small year in the north and south was divided into two days. This historical change not only reflects the cultural differences between the north and the south, but also shows the diversity and tolerance of the Chinese culture.
The traditions and customs of the northern Xiaonian are very rich and diverse. People will worship the stove on this day, believing that the stove god is the guardian god of the family, and the stove can pray for the safety of the family and good weather. In addition, there are customs such as dusting, pasting blessing characters, and cooking dumplings. The people of the north use these traditional customs to welcome the new year, hoping that everything will be good and happy in the new year.
The Southern New Year, although a little later in time, is just as important. The people of the south will also carry out activities such as sacrificing stoves and sweeping dust, in order to welcome the arrival of the new year. The Southern New Year may be celebrated in a different way, but it also expresses the yearning and prayer for a better life.
The difference between the north and the south stems from historical and regional differences, but it also highlights the diversity and inclusiveness of the Chinese culture. Whether it is the sacrificial stove festival in the north or the small year in the south, it is a rich and colorful cultural treasure of the Chinese nation. These traditional customs not only make people feel the strong flavor of the New Year, but also inherit the excellent traditions and wisdom of the Chinese nation.
On this special day, let's learn, learn and respect the cultural practices of each place together. Whether it is a small year in the north or a small year in the south, it is our common cultural wealth, and it is worthy of our efforts to inherit and carry forward. Let us pursue the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation together in the new year and create a better tomorrow together!