The first day of the Lunar New Year is “the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth”. Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.
On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. On this day Chinese are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.
The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law.
The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it is said to bring both parties bad luck.
On the sixth to the tenth day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.
The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.
On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.
The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor.
The tenth to the twelfth days are when friends and relatives are invited for dinner.
After so much rich food, on the thirteenth day it is suggested you should have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse ones system.
The fourteenth day should be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival which is to be held on the fifteenth night.