In many of my Chinese New Year blog and craft posts, I’ve often mentioned that the Lunar New Year celebration lasts for 15 days. However, I realised I had never fully explained the meaning, traditions, and significance behind each day of the festival. Finally, I managed to sit down and gather all the information about the 15 days of Lunar New Year celebrations.
Yes, the 15 days are already over and we are now nearing the end of the first lunar month of the Water Rabbit year 2023! Nevertheless, these traditions are fascinating to learn about and are passed down through generations, so I hope you will still enjoy reading about them.
Before diving into the details, it is important to mention a very significant figure in Chinese mythology — Nüwa. According to ancient legends, Nüwa was the mother goddess who created humanity and repaired the Pillar of Heaven after a great battle between the gods caused it to collapse.
It is believed that during the first six days, Nüwa created different animals, with each day representing the “birthday” of a particular creature. On the seventh day, she created humans from yellow clay by hand, which is why the seventh day of Lunar New Year is known as everyone’s birthday. On the eighth day, she created grains and crops, symbolising prosperity and harvest.
Throughout the Lunar New Year period, many Chinese families also welcome various deities into their homes, including the God of Wealth (財神 – Cái Shén), the Kitchen God (灶神 – Zào Shén), and the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝 – Yù Huáng Dà Dì), praying for blessings, prosperity, harmony, and good fortune in the year ahead.
New Year’s Eve (除夕 – Chú Xì)
Although the celebrations begin on New Year’s Eve, it is technically not counted as one of the 15 days of Lunar New Year.
This is the most important family gathering of the year. Traditionally, everyone returns home for the reunion dinner (團年飯 – Tuán Nián Fàn). In modern times, many people work shifts or have other commitments, so some families may celebrate with lunch or even breakfast instead. What matters most is that the family gathers together for a meal.
Parents will give their children red packets, or ang bao, known as 压岁钱 (Yā Suì Qián), which are traditionally placed under pillows for good luck and protection. Unmarried children will also present two mandarin oranges to their elders in exchange for a red packet and blessings for the new year.
Everyone changes into brand-new pyjamas — including new underwear! Many children are allowed to stay awake past midnight, as it is believed this practice brings blessings and longevity to the elders in the family. Of course, every family has its own traditions.
Many families pray for blessings from the God of Wealth. Some visit temples, while others pray at home. Before my dad passed away, we used to have a large table filled with offerings, with two sugar cane stalks placed at the sides for burning after midnight. My mum preferred going to the temple after midnight to pray. Since Covid restrictions began in 2020, many temples no longer stay open all night and instead reopen around 7am, so she now prays whenever possible.
Day One (大年初一) 元旦日 – Yuán Dàn Rì
According to the legend of Nüwa, this is the Birthday of the Chicken.
Traditionally, families visit the husband’s side of the family first, especially elderly parents and relatives. Those who are the eldest sons, or who live with elderly parents, usually host visiting relatives at their homes.
Many Buddhist and Taoist families serve vegetarian food on the first day, as it is believed there should be no killing on this day. However, not everyone follows this custom nowadays. My mum still eats vegetarian food for the entire day.
One funny superstition is that you should avoid eating congee or porridge on the first day, otherwise it is said it will rain for the rest of the year!
Lion dance performances are also popular during the Lunar New Year period. Some families invite lion dance troupes into their homes for blessings and to drive away evil spirits with loud drums and cymbals. Since Covid restrictions were lifted, lion dance troupes in Singapore have finally resumed house visits again.
Most importantly, avoid sweeping or cleaning the house on the first day, as you may accidentally sweep away your good luck and wealth.
Day Two (大年初二) 迎婿日 – Yíng Xù Rì / 回娘家 – Huí Niáng Jiā
This is the Birthday of the Dog.
In many traditions, this day is known as “Son-in-law Day” or “Married Daughter Returns Home Day”. Married daughters will bring their husbands and children back to visit their own parents.
Another common belief is to avoid washing clothes on this day.
Day Three (大年初三) 赤口日 – Chì Kǒu Rì
This is the Birthday of the Pig.
The third day is often considered an unlucky day for social visits because it is believed arguments and conflicts happen more easily on this day. For this reason, many families avoid visiting relatives or friends.
In Singapore, however, the first two days are public holidays, so many people return to work on Day Three anyway.
According to folklore, this is also the day known as 老鼠娶新娘 (Lǎo Shǔ Qǔ Xīn Niáng), meaning “Rats Marry Their Brides”. People leave rice or food offerings for the rats so they will not disturb the household for the rest of the year.
Personally, I think feeding them would just encourage them to come back for more!
Day Four (大年初四) 拜太岁 – Bài Tài Suì / 接神日 – Jiē Shén Rì
This is the Birthday of the Sheep.
Families prepare offerings to welcome back the Kitchen God, who returns from Heaven after reporting on the family’s behaviour to the Jade Emperor. Some people offer sticky Nian Gao (glutinous rice cake) to the Kitchen God, jokingly hoping the sticky cake will “seal his mouth” so he can only say sweet things about the family.
People are encouraged to stay home early on this day because the Kitchen God is believed to visit the household.
For Hokkiens, this is also an important day to pray to Tai Sui (太岁), especially for zodiac signs believed to clash with the year’s ruling energy. In 2023, those born in the Year of the Rabbit, Rooster, Rat, and Horse were believed to be affected.
Since I live in the UK and my sisters are usually busy working, my mum often visits the temple on our behalf and pays for prayers to be conducted for protection and blessings throughout the year.
Day Five (大年初五) 迎財神 – Yíng Cái Shén
This is the Birthday of the Ox and the day to welcome the God of Wealth.
Before welcoming prosperity into the home, people believe they should drive away the “Five Poverties” or bad fortunes relating to intelligence, education, literacy, destiny, and relationships.
Thankfully, this is also the day when many Lunar New Year taboos are lifted. You may finally start cleaning the house again, play music, and return to normal daily activities.
One thing to avoid, however, is excessive napping — people believe it may lead to laziness and missed opportunities!
Day Six (大年初六) 开张天 – Kāi Zhāng Tiān
This is the Birthday of the Horse.
Many businesses choose this day to officially reopen after the New Year holidays, although some may wait for a more auspicious date recommended by feng shui masters.
Food businesses especially welcome children aged 12, as the number six (六 – Liù) symbolises smoothness and success. The phrase 六六大顺 (Liù Liù Dà Shùn) means “everything goes smoothly”.
Some legends say the God of Bathrooms (厕所神 – Cè Suǒ Shén) visits on this day, so cleaning the bathroom is encouraged. Others believe this is the day to send away the Ghost of Poverty by throwing out old or unwanted clothing.
Day Seven (大年初七) 人日 – Rén Rì
Happy Birthday to everyone! According to tradition, this is the day Nüwa created humanity, making it everyone’s birthday.
In Singapore and Malaysia, families celebrate by eating 魚生 (Yú Shēng), a colourful raw fish salad mixed with shredded vegetables, sauces, and condiments. During the meal, everyone gathers around the table to toss the ingredients high into the air while shouting auspicious phrases.
This tradition is called “Lo Hei”, which means “tossing up good fortune”. The higher you toss the salad, the greater your luck and prosperity for the year ahead!
Many people also eat noodles for longevity and seven types of vegetables or fruits for good luck.
Parents are also encouraged not to scold their children on this day — definitely the luckiest day for kids!
Day Eight (大年初八) 盼丰收 – Pàn Fēng Shōu
This day celebrates the creation of grains by Nüwa and symbolises harvest and abundance.
It is also known as the Star Festival (順星节 – Shùn Xīng Jié). A clear night sky filled with stars is believed to predict a prosperous harvest and good fortune for the year.
In Singapore, this is also the perfect opportunity to collect ang bao from married colleagues, even if you did not visit their homes!
One important superstition: avoid lending money on this day.
Day Nine (大年初九) 天公诞 – Tiān Gōng Dàn
This is the birthday of the Jade Emperor and is especially significant in Hokkien culture.
Families prepare elaborate offerings and prayers, hoping for blessings, protection, and prosperity in the coming year.
This day is considered highly auspicious for weddings, engagements, and house renovations. However, some traditions advise against visiting doctors or drying clothes outdoors.
Day Ten (初十) 石头节 – Shí Tou Jié
This is the birthday of the Stone God (石头神 – Shí Tou Shén).
The Chinese word for “ten” (十 – Shí) sounds similar to “stone” (石 – Shí), giving rise to this tradition. Because it is the Stone God’s birthday, some believe it is unlucky to move rocks or use stone tools on this day.
Others say this day celebrates the Earth Mother (地母 – Dì Mǔ).
Married couples hoping for children may hang red lanterns as a blessing for fertility and family happiness.
Day Eleven (十一) 子婿日 – Zǐ Xù Rì
On this day, the parents of a married daughter invite their son-in-law, daughter, and grandchildren home for a family gathering and meal.
Day Twelve (十二) 备元宵 – Bèi Yuán Xiāo
This day is dedicated to preparing for the Lantern Festival.
Many families begin making dumplings and festive foods in advance. It is also believed to be unlucky to use knives or sharp objects on this day.
Day Thirteen (十三) 试花灯 – Shì Huā Dēng
The name 试花灯 means “testing the lanterns”. Families display the lanterns and decorations they purchased for the Lantern Festival celebrations.
This day is also called 灯头生日 (Dēng Tóu Shēng Rì), meaning the “Birthday of the Lanterns” or “Lights”.
Some people light lanterns near the kitchen stove for blessings and prosperity. Traditional beliefs also suggest avoiding long-distance travel, outings, or weddings on this day.
Day Fourteen (十四) 临水娘娘诞辰 – Lín Shuǐ Niáng Niáng Dàn Chén
This day celebrates the birthday of the Linshui Empress, a goddess believed to protect mothers and children.
Many people visit temples to pray for safe childbirth, healthy children, and family blessings. Couples hoping to have children may also pray for fertility and good fortune.
Day Fifteen (十五) 元宵节 – Yuán Xiāo Jié
For Hokkiens, this day is known as “Chap Gor Mei”, meaning the fifteenth night of the Lunar New Year.
It marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and symbolises unity, reunion, and togetherness.
Across many countries, this celebration is known as the Lantern Festival. In Singapore, the famous River Hongbao festival has been celebrated since 1987 and features spectacular lantern displays, performances, festive activities, and cultural showcases.
Families traditionally eat tang yuan — sweet glutinous rice balls served in soup — to symbolise family unity, harmony, and completeness.
Phew! That was a long post!
I hope this guide has helped you better understand the traditions, beliefs, and fascinating meanings behind the 15 days of Lunar New Year celebrations. Whether you celebrate it yourself or are simply curious about Chinese culture, there is always something magical about the customs, stories, and family traditions that bring people together during this festive season.
[…] and I would include myself in that. If you read the blog post that I wrote earlier this year on the meaning of 15 days of Lunar New Year, you will recall that some Chinese (Taoism and Buddhism) would pray to the God of Wealth for […]