Restful Sleep and Late Rising: Reclaiming Peace in the Midst of Celebration
On the third day of the first lunar month, there is a custom of sleeping in and getting up late, which is in sharp contrast to the busyness of the previous days during the Spring Festival. As the third day of the Chinese New Year arrives, everyone is indulging in the festive atmosphere of the New Year and taking full relaxation.
In the previous days, people were busy preparing New Year's goods, pasting Spring Festival couplets, getting ready for the New Year's Eve dinner, and visiting relatives and friends, which took a lot of energy. By the third day, they can finally have a good lie-in.
Traditionally, the third day is also known as “Chi Gou Day,” literally “the Day of the Red Dog.” The Red Dog is considered a symbol of misfortune, and going out on this day is believed to lead to arguments or disputes. Therefore, in the past, people often chose to stay home and sleep late to avoid unnecessary trouble, hoping for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Aside from sleeping in, some regions have other customs for this day. In certain places, people do not go out to pay visits, believing the third day to be the birthday of grains. They hold rituals to pray for a bountiful harvest throughout the coming year. In some households, people rise early to scatter grains in their courtyards, showing respect and gratitude for their crops. In some other areas, families may clean their homes but pile the trash in a corner rather than taking it outside right away, symbolizing the gathering of wealth.
Though these customs may appear simple, they carry deep cultural significance. They reflect a longing for a good life and are part of the living heritage of traditional Chinese culture. By following these practices, we can appreciate the wisdom and enduring love for life passed down through generations.
