Every year on the 23rd or 24th day of the lunar month, people in the southern region will usher in an important festival - Xiao Nian. Xiao Nian, also known as the Stove Festival and the Stove King Festival, is an important moment for the people of the south to celebrate the Spring Festival and place good wishes. On this special day, the southerners used their unique customs and strong New Year's flavor to interpret the meaning of the new year and convey warmth and blessings.
The origin of Xiao Nian is derived from ancient folklore. According to legend, he was a god in the heavens who was responsible for managing the food and drink on earth. On the twenty-third or twenty-fourth day of the lunar month every year, the Lord of the Stove will go to heaven to report the situation in the world to the Jade Emperor. In order to pray for a few good words from the Lord of the Stove, people hold sacrificial activities on this day, offering candy, tea, etc., to show respect.
In the south, the celebrations of the New Year are colorful. Every household will carefully prepare sacrifices, such as sugar melons, stove sugar, fruits, etc., to pay tribute to the king of the stove. People also put up auspicious couplets to convey good wishes for the new year. In addition, a variety of folk activities will be held in various parts of the south, such as dragon dances, lion dances, lantern festivals, etc., to create a strong festival atmosphere.
The small year in the south is full of strong New Year's flavor. On this day, people begin to prepare for the upcoming Chinese New Year. Red lanterns are hung in the streets and alleys, shops are filled with a dazzling array of New Year's goods, and people are busy buying new clothes, food, and sending New Year's blessings to their families. Children set off fireworks in the streets and alleys, and laughter echoed in the air. This is a warm picture, which makes people feel the strong flavor of the New Year.
The small year in the south conveys a unique warmth. On this day, people return to their homes to reunite and spend the festive season together. The family sat together to enjoy a delicious reunion dinner, share the joy and harvest of the past year, and look forward to the hopes and challenges of the new year. Elders will give out red envelopes to the children, symbolizing blessings and good luck. Friends and family exchange gifts to express their concern and blessings for each other. These warm pictures make people feel the unique warmth of the southern Xiaonian.
The small year in the south is a strong New Year's flavor and a unique warmth. On this special day, people express their yearning for a better life and blessings to their loved ones through a variety of customs and activities. Let's feel the charm of the southern New Year and inherit this beautiful New Year's culture.