Today's fifth day of the first lunar month, also known as "breaking the five" or "sending the poor day", is an important day in traditional Chinese festivals. On this day, people have many traditional customs and activities.
Sending the poor: On the fifth day of the first lunar month, there is a custom of sending the poor, and people believe that this day can drive away poverty and unlucky things. Every household will carry out a big cleaning to clean up the garbage, which means that the poor luck and bad luck will be swept out of the door together.
Welcoming the God of Wealth: In the northern region, the fifth day of the first lunar month is an auspicious day to welcome the God of Wealth. Merchants and families prepare offerings, such as sweets, fruits, etc., to pray for good fortune and business in the new year. In some places, firecrackers are set off to celebrate. Welcome the God of Wealth, receive the God of Wealth.
The gate of heaven is opened, the gate of earth is opened, and the god of wealth of the five directions enters the door.
One is blessed, the other is rich, and gold and silver are bosom.
Three auspicious, four auspicious, give Ruyi beside you, the gods return to their places to welcome the five gods of wealth into the door"!
Eating dumplings: In some areas, there is a habit of eating dumplings on the fifth day of the first lunar month, dumplings are shaped like ingots for reunion, which also symbolizes wealth and good luck.
It is not advisable to go out: According to traditional customs, it is advisable to go out at the beginning of the first month, and you should reunite at home to enjoy the warmth and happiness of the family.
It is not advisable to break ground: This day is considered to be the day of breaking five, and it is not advisable to carry out groundbreaking activities such as decoration and building houses, so as not to destroy good luck.
Taboos: There are some taboos on the fifth day of the first lunar month, such as not being able to lend money to others, nor borrowing money from others, so as not to affect the financial fortune of the year.
These customs reflect the Chinese's expectations and prayers for a better life in the new year, and reflect China's profound cultural heritage and folk beliefs.