The Celebration of Chu Er: The Second Day of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a
time of grand celebrations and rich traditions that span multiple days. The
second day of the festival, known as "Chu Er" (初二), holds special significance in
Chinese culture. Often referred to as the "Day of Son-in-Law" (迎婿日), this day is dedicated to family
visits, honoring ancestors, and continuing the joyful spirit of the new year.
Visiting the Bride’s Family
One of the most cherished traditions on Chu Er is the visit
of married daughters to their parental homes. In traditional Chinese society,
married women were expected to live with their husbands' families and had
limited opportunities to visit their own parents. Chu Er provided them with a
special occasion to reunite with their birth families, bringing along their
husbands and children. This visit symbolizes respect, gratitude, and the
strengthening of familial bonds.
Daughters often bring gifts such as fruits, pastries, and
red envelopes (hongbao, 红包)
as tokens of good fortune. In return, their parents prepare a sumptuous feast
to welcome them. This gathering is filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of
homecoming.
Honoring the God of Wealth
Chu Er is also considered an auspicious day to pray for
prosperity. Many families pay homage to the God of Wealth (财神, Caishen) in hopes of attracting
good fortune for the coming year. Some businesses even reopen on this day after
the New Year holiday, believing it to be an opportune time to start fresh and
invite prosperity into their ventures.
Temples dedicated to Caishen witness large crowds on this
day, with worshippers burning incense, offering sacrifices, and making wishes
for financial success. In some regions, firecrackers are set off to welcome the
God of Wealth, symbolizing the dispelling of bad luck and the ushering in of
prosperity.
Extended Feasting and Celebrations
Chinese New Year celebrations are known for their lavish
feasts, and Chu Er is no exception. Families continue to enjoy delicious
traditional dishes, many of which have symbolic meanings. Dumplings (饺子, jiaozi) represent wealth due to
their resemblance to ancient gold ingots, while fish (鱼, yu) symbolizes abundance. Nian gao
(年糕,
glutinous rice cake) signifies growth and success in the coming year.
Additionally, regional customs vary, with some communities
celebrating with dragon and lion dances, while others hold parades or
performances to continue the festive atmosphere.
A Day of Joy and Good Omens
Chu Er is a day filled with reunions, well-wishes, and
cultural observances. It reflects the deep-rooted values of family, respect,
and prosperity that define the Chinese New Year. Whether through visiting loved
ones, honoring deities, or indulging in delicious meals, the second day of the
Spring Festival reinforces the spirit of togetherness and optimism that marks
the beginning of a new year.
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