The 10th Day of Chinese New Year.

The day the stones will be left unturned.

The tenth day of the first lunar month is the day of the Earth Sun. It falls on 19th February 2024 Tuesday and coincides with the Day of the Rain Water.

Legend has it that this is Stone's birthday. On this day, all stone tools such as grinding and milling are not allowed to be moved, and even stones are set up as sacrifices for fear of damaging the crops. In today's context, groundbreaking is absolutely inauspicious.

The earth and the sun are also called "the stone cannot move" and "the ten cannot move". It is a custom that on this day, every family pays tribute to stones and burns incense.

You must eat steamed buns for lunch. It is believed that eating buns will bring you good fortune within a year. There is an act of carrying stone gods.

On the night of the ninth day of the lunar month, people freeze an earthen jar on a large smooth stone. On the morning of the tenth day of the lunar month, a rope was tied to the nose of the jar, and ten young men took turns carrying the jar away. If the stone does not fall to the ground, it indicates a good harvest that year.

In another legend, Rats are considered harmful and inauspicious. They must be 'married off' to ensure a year of peace and prosperity. So, on the tenth day of the lunar month, in many places, lamps, incense and paper tributes are lit in corners of rooms, wall corners and water urns to congratulate mice for their marriage. Disturbing the peace of the Rats on this day will surely bring misfortunes.

Day 9 of the Chinese New Year.

Offerings to the Jade Emperor.

The 9th day of Chinese New Year, effectively from 11.00 pm of 8th February, is dedicated to the Jade Emperor. It is also known as Heaven's birthday.

This is the day most ethnic Hokkiens, people living in the Fujian province, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore, pay respects, offer gratitude and pray for another year of safety, protection and good fortune.

Revered as the Supreme Deity, the Jade Emperor governs over the universe, the three realms, ten directions, four life forms and the six paths.

The 9th day of the first lunar month is also symbolic of the ultimate Yang day during which the Jade Emperor takes the responsibilities of saving lives and protecting people from crisis and disasters.

The sequence towards the worship of the Jade Emperor is as follows:

1. Clean and dress up

2. Turn on the lights in the front of the house especially the living room area

3. Set up an offering table

4. Wait till 11.00pm on the night of 17th February 2024 and start praying
   

On the table of offerings shall be filled with:

1. 3 cups of wine

2. a pair of sugarcane complete with leaves on the side

3. 12 red-colored eggs

4. offering of gold and silver to offer the Jade Emperor

5. new year cakes（年糕） and the （红龟糕）

6. Bunch of bananas

7. a pineapple with the crown

8. mandarin oranges

9. pears

10. pomelo

11. 3 meat comprising fish, pork and chicken

12. longevity noodles（面线）

13. peanuts, peanut candies and sweets

14. 12 stalks of fresh flowers

We wish you much blessings and good tidings on this auspicious Day of the Jade Emperor.

The 6th day of Chinese New Year.

Do you know that there are dedicated functions and significance attached to the first 10 days of the Chinese New Year ?

Day 1 is the Day of Rooster and most traditional families will refrain from consuming chicken. Now that you know it, no curry chicken on the first day !

Day 2 belongs to the Pig and therefore, it is not auspicious to consume pork on the second day.

Day 3 is Goat's Day and no one should be stewing mutton on this day or bad fortunes shall befall you.

Day 4 goes to the Dog and so, all Dogs on this day has an additional special day to add to their respective birthdays or anniversaries. Dogs shall be getting extra care and treats on this day.

Day 5 is dedicated to the Ox. No dishes involving beef will be served. The fifth day also coincides with the invitation of the God of Wealth into the homes.

Day 6 is known as Horse Day because it was the day that the Mother Goddess created the horse.

Interestingly, another significance to Day 6 of Chinese New Year is that it is also the day of thrashing rubbish accumulated over the last five days of celebrations. It is also known as the day to get rid of the 'Poor Devil' （送穷日）. In the past, people cleaned up the house in full force, fire crackers, beat drums and light up their homes to get rid of poor tidings.

Day 7 is Humanities Day or Everybody's birthday （人日）. In honor of homeless and people without families, this is the day families will open up their homes to invite the less fortunate to join them for a meal.

Day 8 is Grain Day （谷日）, the significance of which is largely unknown but according to sources, the day to pay homage to good harvests and future hopes.

Day 9 is the Day of Heaven when it offers another opportunity to pray to the Jade Emperor for blessings and good fortune. Regarded as the Supreme Deity who governs the universe and commands the three realms of life.

Day 10 is Earth Day and is reserved for the worship of the Earth God who takes care of all things earthly.