What Is Second Day of the Chinese New Year?
The Second Day of the Chinese New Year, known by various names such as ‘Kai Nian’ (開年, beginning of the year) or ‘Son-in-Law Day’, marks a significant continuation of the Spring Festival celebrations. It occurs on the second day of the first lunar month and is a key day for family-oriented customs and traditional practices aimed at securing prosperity for the new year.
This day is widely observed in numerous countries and territories with significant Chinese communities, often holding public holiday status. Its central theme revolves around strengthening family ties, particularly between married daughters and their birth families, and the symbolic welcoming of deities associated with wealth.
History and Origins of Second Day of the Chinese New Year
The Spring Festival, encompassing Chinese New Year, has historical roots spanning thousands of years, evolving from agrarian traditions that marked the end of winter and the beginning of spring planting. The specific customs associated with the second day developed as part of a larger structured period of celebration, each day carrying distinct significance.
Historically, the tradition of married daughters returning to their maternal homes (回娘家, Huí Niáng Jiā) reflects the societal structures where women would marry into their husband’s family. The second day provided a designated time for them to revisit their birth families, reinforcing familial bonds. Additionally, the practice of welcoming the God of Wealth (接財神, Jiē Cái Shén) on this day stems from ancient folk beliefs that specific deities brought good fortune and prosperity to households at the turn of the year. These practices are deeply embedded in Chinese cultural heritage, passed down through generations.
How Second Day of the Chinese New Year Is Celebrated
Celebrations on the Second Day of the Chinese New Year largely focus on family visits and traditional rituals to usher in good fortune. While core customs are shared, regional variations exist based on local traditions and historical influences.
General Observances
The most prominent custom is for married daughters to return to their birth parents’ homes, accompanied by their husbands and children. This visit, known as Huí Niáng Jiā (回娘家), is a joyous occasion involving a reunion with their maternal family. They typically bring gifts, often in the form of hongbao (red envelopes containing money) for younger relatives, and receive a warm welcome, including a celebratory meal. Another widespread practice is the welcoming of the God of Wealth (財神, Cái Shén). Many households engage in rituals, such as burning incense, offering prayers, and setting off firecrackers, to invite the deity of prosperity into their homes for a fortunate year.
Regional Variations
In mainland China, while the first day is more about immediate family and elders, the second day is dedicated to the maternal side. Many also visit temples to pray for good health and fortune. Businesses that had closed for the New Year may also perform symbolic ‘opening’ ceremonies on this day.
In Taiwan, Huí Niáng Jiā is a deeply cherished tradition, with traffic often increasing significantly as families travel to visit maternal relatives. The welcoming of the God of Wealth is also a prominent feature, with special offerings and ceremonies performed at homes and businesses.
Hong Kong and Macau also widely observe the return of daughters to their maternal homes. Many people visit temples, especially Wong Tai Sin Temple in Hong Kong, to pray for blessings and offer incense. The practice of ‘lo hei’ (tossing the prosperity salad) might continue from the first day or be a feature of family meals.
In Singapore and Malaysia, Chinese communities uphold the tradition of visiting the wife’s parents. The act of sharing meals and exchanging hongbao reinforces family connections. The welcoming of the God of Wealth is often a family affair, sometimes involving placing specific auspicious items in the home. Fireworks and firecrackers, though regulated in some areas, remain a traditional way to mark the occasion.
When Is Second Day of the Chinese New Year?
The Second Day of the Chinese New Year is determined by the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. It consistently falls on the second day of the first month of the Chinese calendar. Because the Chinese calendar is based on lunar cycles, the Gregorian calendar date for this holiday changes each year.
Typically, the Second Day of the Chinese New Year occurs in late January or early February in the Gregorian calendar. For instance, if the Chinese New Year (First Day) falls on 10 February, the Second Day would be on 11 February. The exact timing is based on the new moon, with the new moon on Chinese New Year’s Day marking the start of the first lunar month.
Second Day of the Chinese New Year Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Public Holiday / Observance |
| Date | Variable (Second day of the first lunar month) |
| Countries | Public holiday in Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Christmas Island; widely observed in mainland China and other Chinese diaspora communities globally. |
| Also known as | Kai Nian (開年), Son-in-Law Day, Day Two of Spring Festival |
| Calendar system | Chinese lunisolar calendar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main tradition on the Second Day of the Chinese New Year?
The primary tradition on the Second Day of the Chinese New Year is for married daughters, accompanied by their husbands and children, to visit their birth parents and maternal family. This custom is known as Huí Niáng Jiā, meaning 'returning to mother's home'.
Is the Second Day of the Chinese New Year a public holiday everywhere?
The Second Day of the Chinese New Year is a public holiday in several countries and territories with significant Chinese populations, such as Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Observances are widespread in other regions like mainland China, though its public holiday status may vary.
What is the significance of the God of Wealth on this day?
Many traditional observances on the Second Day involve welcoming the God of Wealth (Cái Shén) to ensure prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. This is often done through specific rituals, prayers, and the burning of incense or joss paper.