Sun, January 29, 2012
Celebrations welcoming the Year of the Dragon still aren't over, as just about everyone in China can tell by the continuing fireworks.
Many might have noticed that Friday night's cacophony of explosions was the most energetic since New Year's Eve. That's because "chuwu" or the fifth day of the first lunar month is also the birthday of the God of Wealth.
For many Chinese wanting to improve their fortunes, offering prays and praise to the God of Wealth is an essential start to every Lunar New Year.
Many people take time during the holidays to visit temples and solemnly pay tribute to gods and pray for future good fortune by burning incense.
Almost every day of the 15-day Spring Festival is uniquely significant. The fifth day is also when people are supposed to do some heavy spring cleaning of their homes to remove bad luck. Today, the seventh day or "chuqi," is said to signify the birth of humanity.
The holidays are counted until the 15th day of first lunar month, when the Lantern Festival closes out the Spring Festival celebrations.
Throughout China many families will go to a "temple fair" which are now mainly held in public parks.
Just about every one in China has fond youthful memories of eating something tasty and buying some unique trinket at a temple fair, which usually ends on the sixth day of the Spring Festival.
