Title: Xiaonian, the Ancient Prelude to the Spring Festival

Amidst the vast expanse of history, we are often captivated by the celebrations of various traditional festivals. However, have you ever pondered how people celebrated the Spring Festival in ancient times? Today, let's delve into the concept of "Xiaonian" in ancient China.

Firstly, let's clarify the concept of "Xiaonian". In Chinese traditional culture, "Xiaonian" refers to the 23rd or 24th day of the 12th lunar month, which falls seven or eight days before the New Year's Eve. On this special day, people would embark on a series of preparations to welcome the approaching big day.

Now, did the concept of "Xiaonian" exist in ancient times? According to available historical records, there was indeed a similar concept to "Xiaonian" in ancient times. In the agricultural society of ancient China, farmers would start to busy themselves on the 23rd or 24th day of the 12th lunar month. They would carry out final land preparations and tillage to ready themselves for the upcoming spring plowing. Additionally, they would conduct thorough cleaning of their homes to dispel any bad luck accumulated throughout the year.

Furthermore, Xiaonian was also a peak period for commercial activities in ancient times. Merchants would seize this opportunity to conduct final replenishment and sales, getting ready for the incoming new year. In some places, folk activities like temple fairs would also be held, where people would pray for a bountiful harvest and peace in the coming year.

In conclusion, the concept of "Xiaonian" did exist in ancient times. Although the forms may have differed from the modern ones, the core meaning - various preparations made to welcome the arrival of the new year - remains the same. This also reflects the ancient people's respect for time and their anticipation for the new year.

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