Domains

Remarks

The Chinese zodiac

• The Chinese calendar is rather special
• Simply said, the lunar new year occur in cycles of 12 years
• In each year there is an associated symbolic animal and meaning
• The zodiac is in the following order:

Lunar calendar

• The lunar calendar follows the revolution of the moon
• 1^st day of lunar month: no moon
• 15^th day of lunar month: full moon
• Since these two days are special, the Chinese people would go to temples, make offerings to ancestors and gather together

Lunar New Year

• The most important and most celebrated period of the year is the Lunar New Year
• Traditionally, the new year lasts for a period of 15 days up to the 15^th of the 1^st lunar month
• This may be the only period when the hardworking Chinese people take a rare rest, return to their homelands and families
• Each day of this new year period has significance

Day

Remarks

One (chu yi)

• The whole family, young and old, wakes up early to make offerings to the ancestors either at home or in the temple
• Visit relatives and friends, brandishing gifts, greetings and wishes as well as chatting and dining together
• The Chinese people believe that nothing bad should occur in the 1^st day of the year - no scolding, no sweeping, no breaking, no brandishing of sharp objects, no porridge, no crying; if not, it would be an unlucky year

Two (chu er)

• Married Chinese women return to their homelands, brandishing gifts and red packets for the young
• The maternal family would treat the returning young a feast of foods
• In ancient times, this is only day when women can entertain themselves

Three (chu san)

• Poor dog's day: The Chinese believe that anyone who goes out of the house or invites guests would be poor for the rest of life
• Most Chinese would remain at home to entertain themselves with games and feast

Four (chu si)

• The day when gods return
• Offerings include sacrifices, four fruits, golden paper with printed horses in the afternoon

Five (chu wu)

• The day when the new year gate has been crossed
• Normally the day business starts with firecrackers and offerings to the gods

Six (chu liu)

• The day farmers starts their spring planting for the new season

Nine (chu jiu)

• The birthday of the god of heavens
• The most celebrated day for offerings

Thirteen (shi san)

• The birthday of the god of war

Fourteen (shi si)

• Preparation for the lanterns

Fifteen (shi wu)

• 15^th day, full moon, marking the end of the long new year period
• The Chinese gather together for fun and games under the full moon and lanterns that have been made for this special annual occasion