Happy Birthday Everybody!

You must be thinking that I’m crazy but I’m not! It’s the 7th day of Chinese New Year and according to chiense customs, this is the day human beings were created. It is better known as Renri or 人日, literally Human Day. It is celebrated not only in China, but also other regions influenced by Chinese culture.

Now, to put the non-chinese up to par on what else happens within the 15 day of chinese new year, coming up next is Hokkien New Year, celebrated on the 9th day of the chinese new year, this day is particularly significant to Hokkien Chinese: on the ninth day of the New Year (it is said), the enemies of the Hokkien tribe banded together to wipe the Hokkiens from the face of the earth. As a horrible massacre ensued, a few survivors hid in a field of sugarcane. The heavens intervened, and the marauders left. Since then, Hokkiens have thanked the Jade Emperor for his intervention on the 9th day, making offerings of sugarcane stalks tied together with red ribbons.

The last day of Chinese New Year, the 15th day is Chap Goh Meh. The last day of the New Year celebration, this day is also the Chinese equivalent of Valentine’s Day, as unmarried Chinese ladies toss tangerines into bodies of water, expressing fond wishes for good husbands. This day is also celebrated as the Lantern Festival, as families walk down the streets bearing lit lanterns, and lit candles are set outside houses to guide stranded ghosts home.

So now you have it, what to expect within the 15 days of Chinese New Year. So now, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERYONE!

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