What is the Lunar New Year Spring Festival? How is the date of the Spring Festival calculated, and why is it different every year? Why is the lunar calendar based on the moon's cycle? What are the dates of the Lunar New Year Spring Festival? What are the customs of the Lunar New Year Spring Festival? What are the taboos and precautions for the Lunar New Year Spring Festival? Why is the Lantern Festival the last day of the Spring Festival?

What is the Lunar New Year Spring Festival?

The Spring Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese society, commonly known as the Lunar New Year. Its celebrations begin on New Year's Eve and continue until the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, lasting a total of about sixteen days. The Spring Festival symbolizes family reunion, bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, and is a time for people to pray for peace, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year.

Item	Description
Time	The Spring Festival is calculated based on the lunar calendar, usually occurring between January 21 and February 20 of the Gregorian calendar
Customs	People will conduct thorough cleaning, post couplets, have a reunion dinner, set off firecrackers, etc. These activities aim to drive away evil spirits and welcome the arrival of the new year
Family Gathering	The Spring Festival is an important time for family reunion, many people return home from afar to share the reunion dinner and exchange New Year greetings
Legend	The origin of the Spring Festival is related to the legend of the “Nian Beast,” which is said to be afraid of red, fire, and noise, so people use red decorations and set off firecrackers to drive it away

The Spring Festival is not only a time to celebrate the new year but also a festival rich in cultural significance, emphasizing family, tradition, and social connections.

How is the date of the Spring Festival calculated? Why is it different every year?

The lunar calendar is based on the moon’s cycle, and the date of the Spring Festival varies each year according to the lunar calendar.

Calculation of the Spring Festival Date

Item	Description
Lunar New Year	The Spring Festival marks the beginning of the lunar new year, which is the first day of the first lunar month
Difference between Lunar and Solar Calendars	Since the lunar calendar is a lunar calendar, calculated based on the phases of the moon, the date of the Spring Festival is not fixed and appears on different Gregorian calendar dates each year

Why is the Spring Festival date different every year?

Item	Description
Moon Phase Change	The months of the lunar calendar are divided based on the changes in the moon’s phases, which affects the specific date of the Spring Festival
Intercalary Month	To keep the lunar year aligned with the solar year, an `intercalary month` is added to the lunar calendar, which also affects the date of the Spring Festival

Why is the moon’s cycle used as the standard for calculating the lunar calendar?

Item	Description
Natural Observation	Ancient humans relied on natural phenomena to establish time calculations, and the changes of the moon are one of the easiest natural phenomena to observe. The waxing and waning of the moon (i.e., moon phases) are clearly visible, and the cycle of each month is about 29.53 days, making a lunar-based calendar easy to implement and understand
Agricultural Needs	Agricultural societies depend on seasonal changes, and the periodic changes of the moon can help farmers determine the best times for planting and harvesting. The months in the lunar calendar are closely related to agricultural activities, as many traditional festivals and agricultural activities are scheduled according to the lunar calendar
Cultural Heritage	Using the moon as a calculation standard has become part of Chinese culture and is closely linked to many traditional festivals (such as the Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.). The celebrations of these festivals often rely on the changes in moon phases, so maintaining this calculation method helps to continue culture and tradition
Yin-Yang Calendar	Although the lunar calendar is primarily based on the moon, it also considers the sun’s movement to achieve a balance of yin and yang. This method of yin-yang calendrical calculation allows the lunar calendar to better adapt to seasonal changes and maintain a correspondence with the solar year (about 365.25 days)

What are the dates of the Lunar New Year Spring Festival?

Date	Name
New Year’s Eve	The evening before the Spring Festival, family gathers for the reunion dinner
First Day	Lunar New Year, celebrating the beginning of the new year
Second Day	Return to the maternal home day, married women return to their maternal home to pay New Year visits
Third Day	Red Dog Day, avoid going out to prevent disputes
Fourth Day	Welcoming the Kitchen God, offering sacrifices to the Kitchen God for peace
Fifth Day	Welcoming the God of Wealth Day, offering sacrifices to the God of Wealth for prosperity
Sixth Day	Birthday of the Water Patriarch, celebrated in some regions
Seventh Day	Human Day (Qiyuan Festival), celebrating the birth of humanity
Eighth Day	Market Opening Day, business activities resume normally
Ninth Day	Day of Worshiping Heaven, some regions hold heaven-worshiping ceremonies
Fifteenth Day	Lantern Festival, the end of the Spring Festival celebrations

Lunar New Year Spring Festival Customs

Preparations Before Lunar New Year

Custom	Description
Cleaning	Before the Lunar New Year, families conduct a thorough cleaning to remove old items and dust, symbolizing the removal of the old and welcoming the new, praying for the coming year to be free from misfortune and to welcome good luck.
Posting Spring Couplets	Spring couplets with auspicious phrases are posted at the entrance to enhance the festive atmosphere and pray for peace and prosperity in the coming year. The red color of the couplets symbolizes festivity and good fortune, driving away evil and avoiding harm.
Sending the Kitchen God	Families hold a ceremony to send off the Kitchen God, thanking him for his protection in the past year and praying for peace and smoothness in the coming year. This is a form of respect and gratitude towards the deity.
Preparing New Year Goods	Families purchase New Year goods in advance, including food, decorations, and gifts, to ensure that no essentials are lacking during the New Year period, which also symbolizes anticipation and preparation for the coming year.
Making Traditional Foods	This includes dumplings, rice cakes, etc., which usually have auspicious meanings, such as dumplings symbolize “yuanbao,” representing wealth, while rice cakes symbolize “rising year after year”.

New Year’s Eve

Custom	Description
Ancestor Worship	Families worship their ancestors, thanking them for their blessings in the past year and praying for peace and smoothness in the new year. This is a form of respect and gratitude towards ancestors.
New Year’s Eve Dinner	Family members gather for a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner, with dishes usually rich in auspicious meanings, such as fish symbolizing “surplus every year,” oranges symbolizing “great luck and profit,” and longevity vegetables symbolizing longevity. This custom emphasizes family reunion and sharing good times.
Staying Up Late	On New Year’s Eve, people stay up all night waiting for the arrival of the new year, which symbolizes cherishing time spent with family and also implies extending the parents' lifespan.
Setting Off Firecrackers	On New Year’s Eve, firecrackers are set off to drive away evil spirits and the Year Beast, adding to the festive atmosphere and praying for peace and prosperity in the coming year.

First Day

Custom	Description
Setting Off Firecrackers	On the morning of the first day of the new year, firecrackers are set off to drive away the Year Beast, symbolizing the expulsion of evil and praying for peace and good fortune in the new year, enhancing the lively atmosphere.
Ancestor Worship and Praying for Blessings	People go to temples to burn incense and pray for health and good luck in the new year, showing respect and gratitude towards the deities.
Visiting Friends and Neighbors	Visiting friends and neighbors to exchange greetings is called “walking in spring,” symbolizing sharing joy and blessings, enhancing interpersonal relationships.
Wearing New Clothes	Wearing new clothes symbolizes a new atmosphere for the new year, representing a new beginning and hope.
Snatching the First Incense	Snatching the first stick of incense in a temple is considered particularly auspicious, symbolizing receiving the favor and protection of the deities in the new year.

Second Day

Custom	Description
Returning to the Parental Home	The second day of the new year is the day for married women to return to their parental home, allowing them to reunite with their parents and siblings, enhancing family ties. They usually go with their husbands, hence it is also called “Welcoming the Son-in-law Day.” This custom emphasizes family connections and support.
Sending New Year Gifts	When returning to their parental home, daughters-in-law usually bring gifts, representing that they are doing well in their husband’s family, reassuring their parents. The number of gifts is usually even, symbolizing good luck and auspiciousness.
Worshiping the God of Wealth	In some regions, the second day is dedicated to worshiping the God of Wealth, praying for prosperous financial luck in the coming year. On this day, both shops and families prepare offerings such as fish and lamb to seek wealth.
Eating Longevity Vegetables and Dumplings	During the reunion meal at the parental home, longevity vegetables and dumplings are often prepared, symbolizing longevity and wealth. These foods are not only delicious but also carry good wishes for the future.

Third Day

Custom	Description
Red Dog Day	The third day of the new year is called “Red Dog Day,” according to legend, this day is prone to disputes, so people usually do not go out to visit during the new year to avoid trouble.
Burning Door God Paper	On this day, people burn the Door God paper that was hung on the door last year, symbolizing the end of the old year and the beginning of a new life. This custom signifies hope for the future and a new beginning.
Mouse Wedding	Legend has it that on the night of the third day, mice come out to get married, so to avoid disturbing the mice, people turn off the lights early and go to sleep, and scatter rice in the corners of the house for the mice to eat, symbolizing peaceful coexistence with mice.
Little New Year Morning	The third day of the new year is also called “Little New Year Morning,” which was a holiday in ancient courts, symbolizing a time for celebration and rest. On this day, people usually do not work, allowing them to relax and welcome the new year.
Not Entertaining Guests	On this day, people usually do not invite guests to their homes for meals, as the character “red” has connotations of poverty, and entertaining guests is believed to bring bad financial luck. This taboo aims to protect the family’s wealth and harmony.

Fourth Day

Custom	Description
Welcoming the Kitchen God and Sending the Fire God	The fourth day of the new year is the day when the `Kitchen God` returns to the human world, families prepare rich offerings, light incense and candles to welcome the `Kitchen God`, which symbolizes protection and blessings for the family. The `Kitchen God` is responsible for monitoring the family’s good and evil, so welcoming him back also means hoping to receive his protection.
Welcoming the Five Wealth Gods	On the evening of the fourth day, businesses will welcome the `Five Wealth Gods`, this custom originates from hoping to bring wealth and good luck when opening for business on the fifth day, symbolizing expectations for future economic prosperity.
Eating Leftover Dishes	Leftover dishes from the New Year period are combined into a big stew called “Zhe Luo,” enjoyed by the whole family, which not only embodies the virtue of frugality but also symbolizes sharing and cherishing food together, praying for a worry-free life in the coming year.
Throwing Away Poverty	On this day, people conduct a thorough cleaning, piling up garbage outside, symbolizing sending away the “God of Poverty,” hoping to get rid of poverty and welcome a prosperous life in the coming year.
Binding the Fire God	In some regions, people make a fire god using corn stalks or wheat stalks and send it to the river, symbolizing the hope for a fire-free and peaceful family in the new year.

Fifth Day

Custom	Description
Welcoming the God of Wealth	The fifth day of the new year is considered the birthday of the `Five Wealth Gods`, many families hold ceremonies to welcome the God of Wealth, preparing offerings such as cakes, fruits, etc., and setting off firecrackers to pray for prosperous financial luck in the coming year. This custom symbolizes expectations for wealth and wishes for future prosperity.
Cleaning the House and Sending Away Poverty	On this day, people conduct a thorough cleaning, throwing out garbage from the house, symbolizing sending away the “God of Poverty” and welcoming the arrival of wealth. This tradition reflects the hope of getting rid of poverty and welcoming a prosperous life.
Setting Off Firecrackers	Every household sets off firecrackers on the fifth day, firing them from inside the house outward to expel bad luck and inauspicious things, this custom aims to clear away the misfortunes of the past year and welcome the new year.
Eating Dumplings	Eating dumplings on the fifth day, as their shape resembles “yuanbao,” symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Additionally, there is a tradition of “pinching the mouths of little people,” meaning not allowing malicious people to spread rumors to protect family harmony.
Lifting Taboos	The fifth day of the new year is “Breaking Five,” meaning that all taboos from the first to the fourth day are lifted, and people can return to their normal routines, marking the end of the Spring Festival holiday.

Sixth Day

Custom	Description
Sending Away Poverty	The sixth day of the new year is called “Sending Away Poverty Day,” on this day people clean up the accumulated garbage and unwanted items from the New Year period, symbolizing sending away the misfortune and poverty of the past year and welcoming good luck in the new year. This custom reflects the hope of getting rid of misfortune and welcoming a prosperous life.
Cleaning the Toilet	Since cleaning is taboo from the first to the fifth day, the sixth day becomes the day for cleaning the toilet, symbolizing washing away impurities and bringing cleanliness and good luck for the new year. This custom emphasizes the importance of a clean environment for fortune.
Setting Off Firecrackers	Many businesses reopen on the sixth day and set off firecrackers to celebrate, symbolizing the start of the new year and prosperous business. This custom aims to enhance the festive atmosphere and pray for financial luck in the coming year.
Displaying Kumquat	On this day, people display kumquats, as the word “kumquat” has the meaning of “good luck,” symbolizing wealth and good fortune in the coming year. This custom reflects good wishes for wealth and happiness.
Outing Activities	The sixth day of the new year is considered a day with no taboos, suitable for outings with family and friends to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the new year, such activities help enhance interpersonal relationships and family cohesion.

Seventh Day

Custom	Description
Human Day (Renri)	The seventh day of the new year is called “Human Day,” symbolizing the creation and birth of humanity, this day is regarded as everyone’s birthday.
Eating Noodles	Eating noodles symbolizes longevity, as the length of the noodles is seen as a continuation of life. This custom reflects good wishes for health and longevity.
Eating Seven Treasures Soup	Seven Treasures Soup is made from seven kinds of vegetables, symbolizing health and auspiciousness, representing the expulsion of evil and good health. This dish is not only delicious but also carries people’s good hopes for the new year.
Eating Success Porridge	Success Porridge contains various ingredients, representing the hope for academic success and progress in the new year, this custom emphasizes the pursuit of success and achievement.
Wearing Human Victory	Wearing human-shaped decorations made of colored paper symbolizes blessings and protection, this custom originates from ancient celebrations of human birth.
Climbing High	On the seventh day, people choose to climb high, symbolizing achieving greater accomplishments in the new year. This activity also symbolizes getting rid of past misfortunes and welcoming new challenges.
Tossing Fish	In some regions, people engage in the activity of tossing fish, symbolizing surplus every year and progress, and enhancing the atmosphere of family reunion.

Eighth Day

Custom	Description
Honoring the Stars	The eighth day of the new year is called “Honoring the Stars Day,” this day is for worshiping the Star Lords, it is believed that all stars descend to earth on this day, people hold worship ceremonies at home or in temples, praying for the blessings of the Star Lords for peace and smoothness in the coming year.
Eating Yuanxiao	On this day, people eat Yuanxiao (or Tangyuan), symbolizing reunion and gratitude for the blessings of the Star God. This custom emphasizes the importance of family reunion and carries hopes for a happy life in the future.
Grain Day	The eighth day is also called “Grain Day,” as this day is considered the birthday of grains, ancient people would not eat cooked grains to show respect for agriculture and cherish food. This reflects hopes for agricultural production and harvest.
Releasing Life	People release fish, birds, and other pets back into nature, symbolizing respect for life and nature, and praying for all living beings to thrive in the new year. This custom embodies the idea of harmonious coexistence with nature.
Observing the Weather	The weather on the eighth day is believed to affect the harvest of the year, so people pay special attention to the weather conditions on this day, hoping for a good harvest. This custom emphasizes the relationship between agricultural production and the natural environment.

Ninth Day

Custom	Description
Worshiping the Heavenly God	The ninth day of the new year is called “Heavenly God’s Birthday,” the birthday of the `Jade Emperor`. On this day, people hold worship ceremonies, preparing offerings such as five sacrificial animals, red turtle cakes, and noodles to express respect and gratitude towards the Jade Emperor. This custom reflects respect for deities and hopes for peace and smoothness in the coming year.
Fasting and Bathing	Before the worship, family members fast and bathe to maintain physical and mental purity, expressing devotion and respect towards the deities. This custom emphasizes the purity of spirit and body.
Three Kneels and Nine Bows	During the worship, believers perform the three kneels and nine bows, which is the highest form of respect towards the deities, symbolizing reverence for the Jade Emperor. This ceremony emphasizes devotion and gratitude towards the deities.
Preparing Offerings	Offerings include vegetarian food, flowers, fruits, etc., especially the five sacrificial animals (such as chicken, pig, fish, etc.), used to pray for blessings and prosperity in the coming year. These offerings not only honor the deities but also carry people’s hopes for a good life.
Setting Off Firecrackers to Celebrate	On the Heavenly God’s Birthday, many places set off firecrackers to celebrate the `Jade Emperor`’s birthday, enhancing the festive atmosphere and driving away evil. This custom aims to increase the liveliness of the festival and pray for peace and good fortune in the coming year.

Lantern Festival (Fifteenth Day)

Custom	Description
Eating Tangyuan	On the Lantern Festival, people eat Tangyuan (or Yuanxiao), symbolizing reunion and happiness. The name Tangyuan is similar to “reunion,” representing the gathering of family members and good wishes. This custom emphasizes the importance of family harmony.
Enjoying Lanterns	People enjoy lanterns on the evening of the Lantern Festival, hanging various types of lanterns, which not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also symbolizes brightness and hope. The lantern viewing activity brings families and friends together to share joyful moments.
Guessing Lantern Riddles	Riddles are hung on the lanterns for people to guess, this is a fun entertainment activity that enhances social interaction and symbolizes wisdom and inspiration. Guessing lantern riddles has become an indispensable part of the Lantern Festival, promoting communication among people.
Setting Off Firecrackers	During the Lantern Festival, people set off firecrackers to drive away evil and enhance the festive atmosphere, this custom originates from the ancient belief that light and sound can dispel evil spirits. Setting off firecrackers symbolizes the expulsion of misfortune and welcoming good luck in the new year.
Lighting Lamps to Worship Buddha	In some places, people light lamps to worship Buddha on the Lantern Festival, expressing respect and gratitude towards the deities, this custom reflects the importance of religious faith and carries people’s prayers for peace and happiness.

Lunar New Year Symbols

Spring Couplets

Photo by Stephen yu on Unsplash

Food

Food	Symbolic Meaning	Reason
Nian Gao	Rising Step by Step	The word “gao” in Nian Gao sounds like “high,” symbolizing rising every year and prosperity
Chang Nian Cai	Longevity	Chang Nian Cai represents longevity, as its long leaves symbolize the continuation of life
Dumplings	Wealth and Reunion	The shape of dumplings resembles ancient silver coins, symbolizing wealth, and the process of making dumplings emphasizes family reunion
Tangyuan	Reunion and Happiness	The round shape of Tangyuan symbolizes family reunion and harmony, implying happiness and fulfillment in the new year
Apple	Peace	The word “ping” in apple sounds like “peace,” symbolizing auspiciousness and peace, often used in rituals and blessings
Pistachio	Happiness	The opened shell of pistachio symbolizes a joyful mood, implying happiness in the new year
Radish Cake	Good Omen	Radish is called “caitou” in Taiwanese, meaning “good omen,” symbolizing good luck and auspiciousness
Baozi	Auspiciousness and Good Luck	Eating baozi represents “salty bao for gold, sweet bao for silver,” symbolizing the consumption of all auspiciousness and good luck

Items

Item	Symbolic Meaning	Reason
Spring Couplets	Auspiciousness and Good Fortune	Spring couplets have auspicious blessings written on them, and are pasted on doors to symbolize welcoming good fortune and praying for peace in the new year
Red Envelopes	Luck and Blessings	Red envelopes contain money, and the red envelopes given by elders to juniors symbolize the transmission of blessings and luck, expressing care for the younger generation
Lion Dance	Exorcism and Auspiciousness	Lion dance is a traditional performance, symbolizing the expulsion of evil spirits and bringing good luck and prosperity, often performed during the Spring Festival to enhance the festive atmosphere
Red Lanterns	Celebration and Reunion	Red lanterns represent brightness and hope, often used to decorate homes, adding to the festive atmosphere
Fu Character	Arrival of Good Fortune	The Fu character is usually pasted upside down on doors, implying “Fu has arrived,” symbolizing the arrival of happiness and good luck
New Year Paintings	Exorcism and Protection	New year paintings often depict auspicious patterns, such as the Nian beast, flowers, and birds, symbolizing exorcism and protecting family peace
Oranges and Tangerines	Wealth and Completeness	The word “ji” in oranges sounds like “auspicious,” symbolizing wealth and good luck, while the golden-yellow skin of tangerines symbolizes prosperity
Wealth Gathering Pot	Attracting Wealth	The wealth gathering pot is a decorative item, symbolizing the ability to gather wealth and good luck, often used to celebrate the new year
Gourd	Exorcism and Safety	Gourd is believed to be able to exorcise evil and protect family safety, thus often used as decoration during the Spring Festival
Peach Wood Sword	Exorcism and Protection	The peach wood sword is believed in folk beliefs to exorcise evil and protect the family from misfortune

Others

Item / Activity	Symbolic Meaning	Reason
Staying Up Late	Reunion and Anticipation	Family members stay up late together, symbolizing anticipation for the new year and family reunion, strengthening the bonds among family members
Setting Off Firecrackers	Exorcism and Celebration	The sound of firecrackers is believed to disperse evil spirits, adding to the festive atmosphere, and is an important part of Spring Festival celebrations
Ancestor Worship	Respect and Gratitude	During the Spring Festival, worshiping ancestors expresses respect and gratitude towards ancestors, hoping to receive their blessings

Spring Festival Taboos and Precautions

Taboos / Precautions	Explanation	Reason
No Bathing or Hair Washing	It is not advisable to bathe or wash hair on the morning of the first day of the new year	It is believed that washing hair will wash away wealth, symbolizing the loss of good fortune
No Sweeping or Taking Out Trash	Sweeping or taking out trash during the Spring Festival is not advisable	It is said that sweeping will sweep away wealth, and taking out trash will take away good luck from the home
No Breaking Things	It is not advisable to break any items	Breaking things symbolizes financial loss and bad luck, and should be wrapped in red paper and accompanied by the phrase “peace year after year” to resolve it
No Quarreling or Scolding Others	Avoid quarreling or scolding	Quarreling may invite lawsuits and misfortune, maintaining harmony helps welcome good luck
No Borrowing or Lending Money	It is not advisable to collect debts or borrow money during the new year	Traditionally, it is believed that owing money will affect wealth for the coming year, and debts should be settled before the new year
No Eating Porridge	It is not advisable to eat porridge on the morning of the first day of the new year	Porridge is seen as food for the poor, and eating it may symbolize a difficult life in the coming year
No Cutting Nails or Hair	It is advisable to avoid cutting nails or hair during the Spring Festival	Cutting nails and hair is believed to cut off wealth and good luck, and sharp objects should be avoided
No Getting Angry	Avoid emotional outbursts or anger	Anger may invite inauspicious events, affecting the fortune for the entire year
No Napping	It is not advisable to sleep during the day on the first day of the new year	Napping is believed to lead to laziness, affecting work fortune for the coming year
No Discussing Inauspicious Topics	Avoid discussing negative topics such as death or decline	It is believed that speaking inauspicious words may come true in the new year, maintaining positive and optimistic language is necessary

Regions Celebrating Lunar New Year

Region	Reason
China	The Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China, symbolizing the beginning of the lunar new year, family reunion, and praying for peace in the coming year
Taiwan	The lunar new year is the main festival in Taiwan, where family members gather to celebrate and engage in various traditional customs
Hong Kong	The Spring Festival celebrations in Hong Kong are rich and colorful, combining local culture and tradition, attracting many tourists to participate
Macau	The Spring Festival celebrations in Macau are similar to those in China, incorporating local characteristics, becoming a tourist hotspot
Vietnam	The lunar new year (Tet) in Vietnam is influenced by Chinese culture, with similar celebration methods, including ancestor worship and family gatherings
South Korea	The old lunar new year (Seollal) in South Korea is an important traditional festival, similar to the Chinese Spring Festival, including ancestor worship and family gatherings
Singapore	Singapore has a large Chinese community, and the Spring Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the area, blending multicultural celebrations
Malaysia	The Chinese community in Malaysia celebrates the Spring Festival, incorporating local cultural characteristics, becoming an important social activity
Indonesia	Indonesia designated the lunar new year as a public holiday in 2002, with the Chinese community celebrating the Spring Festival to maintain cultural heritage
Philippines	Although the Chinese are a minority, the Philippines has designated the Spring Festival as a public holiday, reflecting the influence of Chinese culture
Thailand	Thailand has a large Chinese community, and the Spring Festival is widely celebrated, becoming an important social activity

Legends of the Spring Festival

Nian Beast

Photo by Albert Stoynov on Unsplash

Legend of the Nian Beast

Item Description

Story It is said that in ancient times, there was a monster called “Nian” that would appear every New Year’s Eve, invading villages and devouring livestock and humans. To escape from the Nian beast, villagers would flee to the mountains for refuge. One time, a beggar told a kind old woman that he could help drive away the Nian beast. When the Nian beast broke into the old woman’s house, it saw red paper on the door, bright candles, and heard the sound of firecrackers, causing it to flee. This made the villagers discover the Nian beast’s weakness, and from then on, every New Year’s Eve, they would post red couplets and set off firecrackers to drive away the Nian beast.

Reason This legend explains the origins of Spring Festival customs, such as posting couplets and setting off firecrackers, symbolizing the expulsion of evil and welcoming the arrival of the new year. It emphasizes the importance of unity and resistance against evil forces.

Item	Description
Story	It is said that in ancient times, there was a monster called “Nian” that would appear every New Year’s Eve, invading villages and devouring livestock and humans. To escape from the Nian beast, villagers would flee to the mountains for refuge. One time, a `beggar` told a kind old woman that he could help drive away the Nian beast. When the Nian beast broke into the old woman’s house, it saw red paper on the door, bright candles, and heard the sound of firecrackers, causing it to flee. This made the villagers discover the Nian beast’s weakness, and from then on, every New Year’s Eve, they would post red couplets and set off firecrackers to drive away the Nian beast.
Reason	This legend explains the origins of Spring Festival customs, such as posting couplets and setting off firecrackers, symbolizing the expulsion of evil and welcoming the arrival of the new year. It emphasizes the importance of unity and resistance against evil forces.

Story of the Beggar

Item	Description
Story	The `beggar` was actually a deity sent by the `Jade Emperor`, who scared away the Nian beast with red decorations and the sound of firecrackers. After learning the truth, the villagers decided to use red decorations and firecrackers every year to drive away the Nian beast and protect their homes.
Reason	This story emphasizes the protection of deities and the importance people place on safeguarding their families, reflecting their expectations and hopes for the new year.

Legend of the Lantern Monkey

Item	Description
Story	In a legend from Taiwan, the `Lantern Monkey` complained to the `Jade Emperor` for not being thanked, leading to a great flood about to descend. The deities pleaded for the people, and ultimately the flood was called off, prompting people to celebrate and set off firecrackers to thank the deities for their protection.
Reason	This story reflects the importance of gratitude and worship, as well as the unity and hope of people in the face of difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Lantern Festival the last day of the Spring Festival?

Reason	Description
Conclusion of Spring Festival Celebrations	The `Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first lunar month)` is the first full moon of the lunar new year, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the end of the new year. The celebrations on this day mark the perfect conclusion of the Spring Festival celebrations, with many places holding grand celebrations such as lantern viewing and eating tangyuan.
Cultural Significance	The celebrations of the Lantern Festival not only symbolize reunion but also carry the meaning of praying for peace and happiness in the coming year. People gather together on this day to enjoy tangyuan, symbolizing family reunion and harmony.
Influence of Taoism and Buddhism	In Taoism, the `15th day of the first lunar month` is called `Shangyuan Festival`, an important day for worshiping the `God of Wealth`, symbolizing the prayer for good fortune and disaster relief. In Buddhism, this day is also significant, where people light lamps to worship Buddha, praying for peace and good luck.
Continuation of Traditional Customs	Since the Ming Dynasty, the Lantern Festival has become the official end of the Spring Festival celebrations, with various celebrations held on this day, such as guessing lantern riddles and setting off firecrackers to welcome the new year.

Why is it not allowed to wash hair on the first day of the new year?

Taboo	Description
Homophonic Taboo	In Chinese, the word “wash” sounds similar to “death,” so ancient people believed that washing hair on this day would bring bad luck, symbolizing the washing away of good fortune and wealth.
Symbol of Wealth	The character for “hair” sounds similar to “prosper,” so washing hair is believed to wash away wealth and opportunities for prosperity, leading people to complete cleaning tasks before New Year’s Eve to preserve their wealth for the coming year.
Influence of the Water God	According to traditional beliefs, the first and second days of the new year are considered the birthdays of the Water God, and using water during this time is not advisable, as it may offend the Water God and affect the fortune for the entire year.