1st Day - Birthday of Chicken
The 1st day of the New Year is known as Yuan Ri (1st day). The oldest and most senior family member will be visited with oranges symbolising gold, wishing wealth and good fortune to the host.
2nd Day - Birthday of Dog
Traditionally, married women will pay a visit to their parents on this day. Since the day is the birthday of the dogs, pets and strays will be fed well, and people are extra kind to dogs in respect of all occasion.
3rd Day - Birthday of Pig
The third and fourth day of the New Year is set aside to pay respects to ancestors or family members who have passed on. It is considered inauspicious to do any visits on these days.
4th Day - Birthday of sheep
Some businesses which had been closed for festivities will reopen and prayers will be held in order to be blessed with prosperity in the upcoming year. The more conservative Chinese businesses may choose to open on the fifth day, which is considered more auspicious.
5th Day - Birthday of Ox
Known as Po Wu (Breaking of five), the fifth day is also regarded as the birthday of the God of Wealth. Businesses traditionally reopen on this day, to await blessings from the God of Wealth.
6th Day - Birthday of Horse
The sixth day marks a time to visit temples, relatives and friends, to catch up with classmates or acquaintances.
7th Day - Birthday of Men
The seventh day is named Ren Ri (Human Day), known as the birthday of Human beings. To honour the day, a special dish made of raw fish and vegetable salad is prepared, called Yu Sheng (Raw Fish), interpreted as a homonym for yu sheng (increasing abundance). Yu Sheng is considered a symbol of Abundance, prosperity and vigour, and is very popular locally.
8th Day - The Completion Day
On the eighth day, people usually have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight, they pay their respects to the Jade Emperor.
9th Day - Birthday of Jade Emperor
Highly revered in Taoism, the Jade Emperor is known as Yu Huang or Yu Di, and is identified as the Ruler of Heaven, Earth and the Underworld/hell. Offerings are offered in the customary ritual.
10th to 12th Day
To fully celebrate the Chinese New Year, no expenses are spared as the feasting and merriment continues through the tenth to twelth day.
13th day - Birthday of God of War
It is a day for some light vegetarian food, to detoxify bodies from all the feasting over the last two weeks. this is also dedicated to the God of War, known as Guan Gong. Representing loyalty, strength and justice, most companies in China will pray to Guan Gong for success in business and to rise above the rest.
14th day - The Lantern Decoration Day
Traditionally, families are bustling about preparing food, decorations and other festivities for the Lantern Festival on the following day. However, in Singapore, Lantern Festival is associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eight lunar month, when the moon shines the brightest.
15th day - Lantern Festival
Yuan Xiao Jie(the 15th day of the 1st lunar month), also known as Lantern Festival, marks the full moon after the New Year. Another reunion dinner is held with Lanterns and oranges. It is customary to eat sweet rice dumplings call Tang Yuan (round balls in soup), which are made of glutinous rice flour and staffed with sweet filings, symbolising reunion.
Extracted from Contact South East Magazine.
