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Offering sacrifices to the Kitchen God
Traditionally, Chinese New Year kicks off with a sacrifice to a kitchen god. This god is seen as the most important one to be "served." Offerings are placed at the altar on the 23rd day of the last lunar month, which is considered a lesser New Year's day. Offerings always include rice wine, maltose and steamed rice cakes.
New Year's Eve feast
The New Year's Eve dinner is an important event. It is also known as the reunion dinner where the whole family sits down for a meal together.
New Year fairs
During the first four days of the New Year, the old streets of the town are astir with jubilant crowds. Performances of cheerful lion and dragon dances, yangko, dalianxiang (a traditional dance from southeastern China) never lose their appeal. People also bustle about for delicious snacks like steamed dumplings, won ton and rice cakes, or for knick-knacks like New Year posters, and clay figurines.
New Year scrolls
It is a common practice in the old town that all households put up auspicious couplets on their door panels and pictures of the door god on their front door. These decorations symbolize joy and prosperity for the people living in the house.
Welcoming the God of Wealth
Legend has it that the fifth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of the god of wealth. Feasting and celebration are the order of the day. This is usually the time when the auspicious lion dances are performed.
The village theater
During the Spring Festival, traditional operas are staged on a "platform on water" in the Xues House. The dazzling performances can be enjoyed from the other side of the river. Reflections on the water add a touch of surrealism to the already beautiful performances.
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