The year in China is determined according to the time before and after beginning of spring. This time point is influenced by astronomy and meteorology, so there will be some special folk customs. Before the Spring Festival in beginning of spring in 2024, it conforms to the characteristics of the year of China, so 2024 is the year of China.
Local customs of China New Year
1, taboo
During the Spring Festival, many places will avoid certain things, mainly ominous things. For example, Huanian can't build a house, go out into the house, get engaged, do business, and so on. If you really need to do these things, you must look for a fortune teller to see if it is appropriate. You can also consult Mr. Ji Zhaotang online. As a professional institution of Chinese studies, I will give you reasonable suggestions.
Step 2 avoid spring
Avoiding spring may be one of the most special folk customs in China New Year, because it is only necessary to do so on beginning of spring Day in China New Year. The custom in many places is to hide in the room until the solar term in beginning of spring has passed. Some places put a red paper on the door, then pour a basin of water on the paper, and then sweep the water out of the door with a broom, which means that the bad luck is swept away.
Step 3 sacrifice
Lunar New Year is also a very important time of the year, so there will be many sacrificial activities everywhere. For example, folk ancestor worship, Shinto worship, heaven and earth worship and so on. The purpose of these sacrificial activities is to pray for good weather, family happiness, good health and so on in the coming year. You can also get a blessing belt free of charge in Jizhaotang to pray for yourself and your family.
4. Waste water
In some places, water needs to be released on the Spring Festival. For example, Shi Yang Town in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province has the custom of releasing water. They will put dozens of ducks or chickens in a river and then let them go down the river. It is said that the purpose of this activity is to drive away the ominous spirit.
Step 5 sacrifice the stove
During the Chinese New Year, many places have the custom of offering sacrifices to stoves. The purpose of offering sacrifices to Kitchen God is to thank him for his shelter in the past year, to bless his family and to pray for a bumper harvest, peace and health in the coming year.