What Is Sixth Day of the Spring Festival?
The Sixth Day of the Spring Festival, known as Chū Liù (初六), marks an important observance within the broader Chinese New Year celebrations. It falls on the sixth day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, following the primary days of New Year festivities. This day typically signifies a transition from the intense holiday period back towards regular life and work.
The customs observed on this day are rooted in ancient traditions and folk beliefs concerning the ushering out of old misfortunes and welcoming of new beginnings. While not a public holiday itself, it forms a crucial part of the extended Spring Festival period, maintaining a festive atmosphere for many.
History and Origins of Sixth Day of the Spring Festival
The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, has roots in agrarian societies, celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring planting. Each day of the festival period acquired specific customs and significances over centuries, often linked to ancient myths, deities, or agricultural cycles.
The Sixth Day, specifically, is traditionally associated with “sending off the poverty ghost” (送窮日, sòng qióng rì) or “sending off poverty.” This practice stems from the belief that accumulated dirt and rubbish during the initial days of the New Year represented poverty or ill fortune. Disposing of this on the sixth day symbolised the removal of bad luck and the welcoming of prosperity for the coming year. It is also historically considered the birthday of horses.
How Sixth Day of the Spring Festival Is Celebrated
Celebrations on the Sixth Day of the Spring Festival often focus on preparing for the resumption of daily routines and business, while still maintaining elements of festive tradition.
A primary custom is the thorough cleaning of homes. Families sweep away dust and dispose of rubbish that may have accumulated over the New Year period. This act is more than just tidying; it is a symbolic gesture to “sweep away” and “send off” any lingering bad luck or poverty from the household, making way for good fortune.
Many businesses choose the Sixth Day to formally reopen their doors, often with small ceremonies or special meals to ensure a prosperous year. This day is also a popular time for families and friends to visit each other, exchanging greetings and sharing meals. While the focus on welcoming the God of Wealth is often on the fifth day, some traditions extend wealth-related observances to the sixth day as well.
When Is Sixth Day of the Spring Festival?
The Sixth Day of the Spring Festival occurs on the sixth day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. As the lunar calendar is not fixed against the Gregorian calendar, the date for the Sixth Day of the Spring Festival varies each year. It typically falls in late January or February in the Gregorian calendar.
For example, if Chinese New Year (the first day of the first lunar month) falls on 10th February in a given Gregorian year, then the Sixth Day of the Spring Festival would fall on 15th February of that same year.
Sixth Day of the Spring Festival Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Observance / Cultural |
| Date | Sixth day of the first lunar month (variable in Gregorian calendar) |
| Countries | China, Chinese diaspora communities globally |
| Also known as | Chū Liù (初六), Day of Sending Away Poverty (送窮日) |
| Calendar system | Chinese Lunar Calendar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Sixth Day of the Spring Festival?
The Sixth Day of the Spring Festival is considered a day for sending away bad luck and preparing for the return to normal work or daily routines after the initial New Year festivities. It is also often associated with visiting friends and family.
What traditional activities are performed on the Sixth Day of the Spring Festival?
Common traditions include sweeping the house to symbolise sending away poverty or ill fortune, disposing of accumulated rubbish, and preparing for businesses to reopen. Many families also engage in social visits with relatives and friends.
Is the Sixth Day of the Spring Festival a public holiday?
While the Spring Festival period includes several public holidays, the Sixth Day itself is not typically a designated public holiday. However, many individuals and businesses may still be easing back into work during this time.