Title: Customs and Traditions of the Minor New Year in Northern China

In China, the 23rd or 24th day of the 12th lunar month is known as the "Minor New Year". This special day is rich in customs and traditions in the northern regions, let's take a look together.

1. House Cleaning

During the Minor New Year in the north, every household will carry out a thorough cleaning to eliminate the bad luck of the old year and welcome the arrival of the new year. People will thoroughly clean the inside and outside of their houses, including furniture, windows, floors, etc., and also replace new curtains, window decorations, and door gods to show jubilation.

2. Posting Spring Couplets

Posting spring couplets is an important custom during the Minor New Year in the north. Spring couplets are pairs of antithetical phrases written on red paper and are usually posted above the main entrance. The content of the spring couplets usually prays for good luck, peace, and smooth sailing in the coming year.

3. Worshiping the Kitchen God

In some areas of the north, people will worship the Kitchen God during the Minor New Year. It is said that the Kitchen God is the deity responsible for guarding the family kitchen. People express their respect to the Kitchen God through worship, praying for a smooth family life and abundant food harvest in the coming year.

4. Eating Dumplings

Another important custom during the Minor New Year in the north is eating dumplings. The shape of dumplings symbolizes the silver coins of ancient China, implying a rolling source of wealth in the coming year. In addition, dumplings also symbolize reunion and happiness because their shape resembles a small bun wrapped with fillings.

5. Setting Off Fireworks

On the evening of the Minor New Year in the north, people will set off fireworks to celebrate. The sound of fireworks symbolizes driving away evil and hoping for peace and tranquility in the family in the coming year. However, in recent years, many cities have restricted the use of fireworks and firecrackers for environmental and safety considerations.

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