New Years Eve
This is the time of preparation and for eating a big family meal.
Red envelopes containing money
are given to children in the immediate family.
All the family stay up all night to welcome in the New Year.
Firecrackers are set off at midnight.
This is followed by 15 days of celebration.
Day 1: Chickens Day (New Years Day)
The day for worshipping ancestors and gods, visiting close relatives
and giving and receiving red envelopes.
Day 2: Dogs Day
More visits to friends and relatives
Day 3: Sheep's day
The day for visiting Buddhist temples
Day 4: Pig's Day
The day when married daughters visit their parents
Day 5: Ox's Day (Day of the God of Wealth)
The taboos end on this day. All the rubbish may be thrown out without
fear of throwing away good luck or wealth
Day 6: Horse's Day
Businesses re-open
Day 7: Man's Day
Traditionally everyone gains a year on this day
Day 8: Grain Day
All the stars come down to earth on this day, which is set aside to
welcome them in the Daoist temples
Day 9: The Jade Emperor's birthday
Sacrifices are made to Heaven in the Daoist temples.
Days 10-14:
preparations are made for:
Day 15: The Lantern Festival
As well as Dragon and Lion dances there may be parades of traditional
costumes, acrobatics and operas. at night people visit displays of
lanterns.