15 Days of Chinese New Year

The fifteen days of the Chinese New Year all have a special purpose. On the first day most people don't eat meat, as they believe this will bring them a long and happy life. This 1st day is for welcoming all the gods of both heaven and earth. The 2nd day is believed to be the birthday of all dogs, so the dogs get extra food and kindness to celebrate. Ancestors are also prayed to on the 2nd day.

On the 3rd and 4th day, sons-in-law are expected to pay special respect to their parents-in-law, while on the 5th day - called Po Woo - all must stay home to welcome the god of wealth. Visiting friends on Po Woo will bring bad luck.

On the 6th to 10th days it is important to visit friends and family and also to go to the temples to pray for health and wealth. The 7th day is believed to be the birthday of all human beings. Noodles are eaten and farmers must display all their produce, making drinks out of various fruit and vegetables.

It's family reunion time on the 8th day for the Fujian people, with prayers to their god at midnight, while the 9th day is for offerings to the Jade Emperor. The 10th to 12th days are for inviting the family and friends to dinner, but on the 13th day, only simple meals of rice and greens should be eaten to cleanse the system of all those rich foods. The 14th day is to prepare for the Festival of Lanterns that is held on the 15th night.

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