Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year

What Is the Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year?

The Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year is a significant observance within the broader Chinese New Year celebrations, typically falling on the fifth day of the first lunar month. It is widely known as Po Wu (破五), which translates to “breaking five,” signifying the end of certain New Year taboos. This day holds particular importance for welcoming Caishen, the God of Wealth, and is traditionally marked by the reopening of businesses.

This day functions as a transition point in the extended New Year festivities. While the initial days are often focused on family visits and leisure, the fifth day begins the return to regular activities, particularly for commerce. The customs associated with Po Wu are designed to invite prosperity, ensure good luck, and cleanse accumulated bad fortune from the previous year.

History and Origins of the Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year

The historical roots of the Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year are deeply embedded in Chinese folklore and agricultural practices. The “breaking five” aspect refers to the lifting of restrictions and taboos observed during the initial four days of the New Year, such as avoiding sweeping or taking out rubbish, which were believed to sweep away good luck. On the fifth day, these restrictions are lifted, allowing for a thorough clean-up and a fresh start.

The central figure associated with this day is Caishen, the God of Wealth. Various legends surround Caishen, who is often depicted holding a Ruyi sceptre or a gold ingot. Some accounts suggest he was a historical figure who provided aid to the poor, while others describe him as a mythical deity. The practice of welcoming Caishen on the fifth day evolved from the desire to secure financial prosperity for the year, particularly crucial in agrarian and mercantile societies. This tradition has been passed down through generations, solidifying its place in the annual observances.

How the Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year Is Celebrated

Celebrations on the Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year primarily revolve around rituals aimed at welcoming the God of Wealth and preparing for the resumption of daily life and business. These practices are observed in Chinese communities globally, with specific regional nuances.

Welcoming Caishen, the God of Wealth

A key tradition is the elaborate welcoming of Caishen. Families typically prepare altars with offerings such as fruits, sweets, and three types of animal sacrifices (chicken, fish, and pork). Incense is burned, and traditional paper money is offered. Firecrackers are extensively used during this welcoming ceremony, with their loud noises believed to drive away evil spirits and usher in good fortune and wealth. The timing of the welcoming ceremony is often chosen based on auspicious hours determined by lunar calendar calculations.

Business Reopening and Traditions

For many businesses, particularly those in retail and services, the Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year marks the official reopening. Business owners will often perform their own Caishen welcoming ceremonies at their premises. This includes lighting incense, making offerings, and setting off firecrackers to ensure a prosperous year ahead. Employees often receive red packets (hongbao) containing money, symbolising good luck and appreciation, as they return to work. The first transactions of the reopened business are sometimes treated with particular care, with a preference for receiving cash to signify a robust cash flow.

Household Clean-up and Food Practices

Following the “breaking five” tradition, households undertake a thorough cleaning, sweeping away accumulated dust and dirt that was purposefully left untouched during the first few days of the New Year. This act symbolises the sweeping away of bad luck and misfortune, making way for new prosperity. A common food consumed on this day is dumplings (jiaozi), particularly in northern China. Dumplings are shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, and eating them is believed to bring wealth. Some families even hide a coin inside one of the dumplings, bringing extra luck to the person who finds it.

Regional Variations

In Taiwan, where the Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year is widely observed, the focus on Caishen is particularly prominent, with many businesses carefully planning their reopening ceremonies. Temples dedicated to the God of Wealth often see large crowds of devotees seeking blessings. The general atmosphere shifts from the pure holiday leisure of the initial days to a more pragmatic readiness for work, while still retaining a celebratory and hopeful tone for the year’s prosperity. The traditions are consistently practised across different regions with minor variations in offerings or specific timings.

When Is the Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year?

The Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year is not a fixed date on the Gregorian calendar, as it is determined by the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It always falls on the fifth day of the first lunar month. Consequently, its Gregorian date varies each year, typically occurring in late January or February.

For instance, if Chinese New Year’s Day falls on 10th February in a particular year, the Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year would then fall on 14th February of that same year. A person celebrating this observance would consult a Chinese calendar or an almanac to ascertain the precise Gregorian date for a given year. The entire Chinese New Year period spans 15 days, with the fifth day being an important marker of transition within these festivities.

Fifth Day of the Chinese New Year Key Facts