Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year

What Is Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year?

The Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year, also known as Chuyi (初四), marks a crucial point in the extended Lunar New Year festivities. It is primarily observed as the day when various household deities are believed to return to the human world after reporting to the Jade Emperor in the heavens. This includes Zao Jun, the Kitchen God, who plays a central role in family well-being.

This day is characterised by specific rituals and family practices aimed at properly welcoming these returning deities. The observances are integral to the traditional framework of Chinese New Year, reinforcing familial bonds and seeking blessings for the upcoming year. While deeply embedded in cultural practices, the Fourth Day is generally not a public holiday, differing from the first three days of the New Year period.

History and Origins of Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year

The traditions associated with the Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year are deeply rooted in ancient Chinese folk religion and cosmology. The belief system posits that various deities oversee different aspects of human life and household affairs. Among the most prominent is the Kitchen God, or Zao Jun, who is believed to reside in the kitchen of every home.

According to tradition, Zao Jun ascends to the heavens seven days before the New Year to report on the family’s conduct to the Jade Emperor. The Fourth Day of the New Year is then designated as his return, alongside other celestial beings who descend to continue their protective duties. This cycle of departure and return underscores a long-held belief in divine oversight and accountability. Historical practices evolved from agrarian societies where blessings for a good harvest and family prosperity were paramount, tying into the belief that deities influenced daily life and fortune.

How Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year Is Celebrated

Celebrations on the Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year largely revolve around the formal welcome of the returning deities. Families typically clean their homes thoroughly in preparation, ensuring a suitable environment for the gods. A central part of the observance involves preparing elaborate offerings.

Welcoming the Deities

Offerings often include a variety of foods, such as fruits, sweets, rice cakes, and occasionally sacrificial meats. Incense is burned, and paper money is sometimes offered as a symbolic tribute. These offerings are placed on altars or in front of household shrines, particularly in the kitchen for Zao Jun. The act of offering is a gesture of respect and gratitude, intended to ensure the deities bring good fortune and protection to the household for the year ahead.

Family Gatherings and Taboos

While less focused on visiting relatives compared to the earlier days of the New Year, the Fourth Day often still involves family gatherings and communal meals. Some families may prepare a more elaborate dinner. Traditionally, certain activities are avoided on this day to prevent offending the returning deities. For instance, some beliefs suggest avoiding going out for long periods or engaging in disputes. The emphasis remains on harmonious domestic activities and reinforcing familial cohesion.

Business Reopening

In some regions, the Fourth Day also marks the time when businesses that closed for the initial New Year period might consider reopening. This decision often involves consulting an almanac or a geomancer to select an auspicious time and date for resuming operations, further blending practical life with traditional beliefs. For many, it signifies a gradual return to normal routines while maintaining elements of the festive spirit.

When Is Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year?

The Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year is a movable date on the Gregorian calendar, as it is determined by the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. It always falls on the fourth day following Chinese New Year’s Day.

Chinese New Year’s Day itself can occur anytime between 21 January and 20 February. Consequently, the Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year will also fall within this late January to mid-February timeframe. The exact date varies each year, synchronising with the new moon that marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle.

Fourth Day of the Chinese New Year Key Facts