The twenty-third day of the lunar month, also known as the "Little Year", is an important festival in traditional Chinese culture. On this day, no matter how busy you are, there are some traditional customs and habits that need to be followed. Among them, "eat 4 things, do 1 thing" is an indispensable part. Although these old traditions may seem simple, they contain profound cultural significance and people's expectations for a better life.
1. Eat 4 kinds
Dumplings: Dumplings are one of the must-eat foods in the northern New Year. Because its shape resembles an ingot, it means "attracting wealth and entering the treasure". On this day, the whole family gathers together to make dumplings and chat while making them to enhance their relationship. The first bowl of boiled dumplings will be offered to the king of the stove to pray for good luck in the coming year.
Rice cakes: A must-eat food in the south is rice cakes. Rice cakes symbolize "rising every year". On this day, families make rice cakes together, taste delicious food, and hope for a better life in the future.
Sugar melon: Sugar melon is a very popular food for children. Sugar melon is a sweet food that means "sweet wishes". On this day, the elders of the family will distribute sugar melons to the children, wishing them a sweet, happy and happy life in the new year.
Tofu: Tofu is one of the traditional foods of Xiao Nian. Tofu means "all are blessed". On this day, families make tofu together and enjoy delicious food while also hoping for good fortune for the family.
2. Do 1 thing
Cleaning: On the second day of the second lunar month, every household will be cleaned in both north and south. On this day, people clean their homes and yards, removing garbage and dust, which means "saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new". Through the cleaning, people hope to be able to sweep away the bad luck and misfortune of the past and welcome the good luck and happiness of the new year. At the same time, it is also to pray for peace, health, and success for the family. In the process of cleaning, people will also throw away some old things or burn them to show that they will send away the troubles and unpleasant things of the past. At the same time, some old items in the home are also seen as a symbol of bad luck and therefore need to be removed. After cleaning, people will place some auspicious items in their homes, such as oranges, red paper, etc., to pray for good luck and success in the new year.
In addition to the traditional custom of "eating 4 things, doing 1 thing", there are some other customs and activities. For example, on this day, people will also paste window flowers, spring couplets, etc., to increase the festive atmosphere and festive feeling. At the same time, the women of the family will also perform handicraft activities such as paper-cutting and embroidery to show their skillful hands and talents.
In short, the 23rd day of the lunar month is a small year, which is an important traditional festival. No matter where we are, let's not forget the old custom of "eat 4 things, do 1 thing". While enjoying the happy holidays, let us also send our most sincere wishes to our families and friends: I wish them good health, smooth careers and happy families in the new year!