In traditional Chinese culture, the seventeenth day of the first lunar month is a special day, known as the "Popularity Day". On this day, people will use various ways to ward off disasters and pray for safety. This article will introduce in detail the origin, traditional customs and modern significance of the "Popular Day" on the 17th day of the first lunar month, in order to let more people understand the cultural connotation of this traditional festival.
1. Origin
There are two widely circulated theories about the origin of the "popularity day" on the 17th day of the first lunar month. The first theory is that the festival originated from ancient religious beliefs. In ancient times, it was believed that all kinds of disasters and diseases in the natural world were controlled by the gods. In order to pray for the blessings of the gods and to avoid disasters and diseases, various rituals are held on the 17th day of the first lunar month to show their piety. Another theory is that the "popularity day" on the 17th day of the first lunar month originated from folklore. Legend has it that once upon a time, there was a young man named "Seventeen" who was willing to sacrifice himself in order to save his village from the plague. In order to commemorate this heroic young man, the villagers set the 17th day of the first lunar month as the "Popularity Day" every year to commemorate his deeds and pray for peace and happiness.
2. Traditional customs
On the 17th day of the first lunar month, there are many colorful traditional customs in various places. Among them, the most representative are the following:
1.Sacrifice to the gods to ward off disasters.
In many places, people visit temples or temples on this day to worship the gods and pray for a good harvest, a safe home and a good career in the new year. They would burn incense, burn paper, make offerings, and pray reverently inside the temple or Taoist temple. In some places, Taoist priests or monks are invited to perform rituals in order to ask the gods to bless and ward off disasters.
2.Take the bridge and cross the hurdle.
In some areas, people walk across bridges and hurdles on this day, which means to overcome all obstacles and difficulties and welcome new beginnings. They believe that walking across bridges on the 17th day of the first lunar month will bring good luck and success. Therefore, on this day, many people will deliberately choose to walk some famous old bridges or stone arch bridges, hoping to bring good luck and happiness.
3.Eat glutinous rice balls.
On this day, many families make tangyuan to celebrate. Tangyuan symbolizes reunion and happiness in traditional Chinese culture. People eat rice balls for breakfast or dinner, symbolizing family harmony and happiness. In addition, in some areas, people will also place rice balls in front of the door or on the windowsill to pray to the gods to bless the family with peace and prosperity.
4.Climb high and look far away.
In some places, people climb high on the 17th day of the first lunar month to symbolize new beginnings and look forward to the future. They believe that standing on a high place can absorb the aura of heaven and earth and enhance their fortune and blessings. On this day, many people choose to go to high places such as mountains and rivers and buildings to climb high and look far away.
3. Modern significance
With the changes of the times and the development of society, the traditional customs of the "Popularity Day" on the 17th day of the first lunar month are constantly evolving and innovating. In modern society, the significance of this festival has gone beyond simply praying for disaster and celebrating happiness. It has become an important carrier for inheriting and carrying forward the excellent traditional Chinese culture. On this day, people can understand and experience the charm of Chinese culture by participating in various traditional activities, and enhance cultural self-confidence and national pride. At the same time, with the advancement of science and technology and the development of society, people are increasingly celebrating this festival in innovative ways. For example, some young people share their ways of celebrating and wishing on social media and participate in various fun and interactive activities through online platforms. There are also some businesses that will launch a variety of ** activities and themed products to attract customers and promote consumption and economic development. In addition, with the increasing concern of people about health and environmental protection, some people will also choose to participate in some outdoor sports or environmental welfare activities on this day to celebrate the holiday. These new celebrations not only enrich the connotation and form of the "popular day" on the 17th day of the first lunar month, but also make this traditional festival more in line with the needs and development trends of modern society.
IV. Conclusion
To sum up, as an important festival in traditional Chinese culture, the "Popularity Day" on the 17th day of the first lunar month carries a rich cultural connotation and historical heritage. By understanding the origin, traditional customs and modern significance of this festival, we can better understand and inherit the excellent traditional Chinese culture. In today's society, we should continue to promote the cultural value of this traditional festival and let more people understand and participate in the celebration. At the same time, we should also continue to innovate and develop the form and content of this festival to make it more in line with the needs and development trends of modern society. Only in this way can we make the traditional cultural festival of "Popularity Day" on the 17th day of the first lunar month shine more brilliantly in the new era.
On the way home is the New Year