In traditional Chinese culture, the twelfth day of the first lunar month is known as the "Rat Festival", also known as the "Son-in-law Day" or "Little New Year". Although this festival is not as lively as festivals such as the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, it also has its own unique cultural connotations and folk activities. Let's take a closer look at the folk customs of the 10th day of the first lunar month, including the seven do's and don'ts, and how to do well in the new year.
First, seven appropriate
1.It is advisable to sacrifice.
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, people worship the rat in the hope that it will bless the family with a good harvest and good fortune. During the festival, people will place some mouse-shaped ornaments in their homes or hang some paintings with rat motifs in the kitchen as a sign of respect. In addition, in some places, noodles are kneaded into rat-shaped food, such as "noodle mice", to worship mice.
2.It is suitable for marriage.
Girls born on the twelfth day of the first lunar month are considered to be very lucky, so many families choose to celebrate their daughter's wedding on this day. At the same time, some unmarried men and women will also choose to go on a blind date on this day, hoping to find their other half. On this day, the streets are filled with a festive atmosphere, and many people go to the temple to pray for a happy marriage and a happy family.
3.It is advisable to visit relatives and friends.
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, people visit relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and express New Year's blessings and greetings. It's also a great opportunity to deepen family ties and friendships. When visiting elders, people will bring some health products, nutrition and other gifts to express filial piety and love.
4.It is advisable to reunite.
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, families gather together to celebrate the festive season. It's also a great time to strengthen family cohesion. At the reunion dinner, people prepare sumptuous dishes, especially auspicious foods such as fish, rice cakes, etc. In addition, some places will also hold family games, lantern riddles and other activities after the reunion dinner to add to the joyful atmosphere of the festival.
5.It is advisable to cut paper and paste window flowers.
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, people will cut paper and paste window flowers to decorate their homes. Window grille is a traditional paper-cut art, and its patterns and colors have strong folk characteristics. When pasting window grilles, people will choose styles with auspicious meanings and beautiful patterns, such as "Rat Full Hall", "Fu Lu Shou" and so on. These beautiful window grilles not only add to the festive atmosphere, but also show the charm of traditional Chinese culture.
6.It is advisable to eat glutinous rice balls.
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, there is a custom of eating glutinous rice balls in many places. Tangyuan is a traditional Chinese dim sum made from glutinous rice flour and filled with a variety of flavors such as sesame, peanut, chocolate, and more. When eating glutinous rice balls, people will imply "reunion" and "harmony and beauty". In addition, in some places, glutinous rice balls are eaten with noodles, which means "every year".
7.It is advisable to set off fireworks.
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, there is a custom of setting off fireworks in some places. Fireworks are a traditional pastime that is a sight to behold when its colorful and varied patterns bloom in the air. When setting off fireworks, people will choose auspicious types, such as "auspicious wishes", "good luck", etc. These beautiful fireworks not only add to the festive atmosphere of the festival, but also bring people a sense of joy and happiness.
Second, three taboos
1.Do not hit or scold your child.
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, some places have the custom of not beating and scolding children. It is believed that scolding children on this festive day will have a bad impact on children and affect their growth and development. Therefore, parents will pay special attention to controlling their emotions and patiently educating their children so that they can feel the warmth and love of the family on this special day.
2.Do not wash clothes.
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, there is a custom of not washing clothes in some places. It is believed that washing clothes on this day will wash away good luck and good fortune. Therefore, in order to maintain good luck and good fortune, people choose to wash their clothes on other days. This is also a traditional concept with superstitious overtones.
3.Don't quarrel**.
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, people try to avoid quarrels**. On this festive day, everyone wants to maintain a harmonious and cheerful atmosphere. In the event of an argument or conflict, it can affect the peace and well-being of the entire family and society. Therefore, people will try to restrain their emotions and words and deeds and solve problems in a peaceful and rational way. This is also a manifestation of civilization and progress.
3. All the best in the new year
On the special day of the twelfth day of the first lunar month, people pray for good luck and happiness in the new year through a series of folk activities and traditional customs. These customs and habits not only reflect people's yearning and pursuit of a better life, but also inherit the excellent traditional Chinese culture. In the new year, we must also uphold the essence and spiritual connotation of these traditional cultures, work hard, move forward bravely, pursue excellence and progress. At the same time, we should also care about the happiness and health of our family and relatives and friends, so that our lives are more fulfilling, warm and beautiful. Let's look forward to a bright future together!