The custom of leaving the garden in Chaoshan

Going out of the garden is an adult ceremony in Chaoshan area and Hakka area, which means that underage children are just like being in the garden, but children should "go out of the garden" when they are 15 years old, so that they have the consciousness of living independently. The ceremony of "leaving the garden" reminds children to face the world when they grow up, to be responsible and to be responsible for what they have done. This ceremony is usually held in March, May and July of the lunar calendar.

Children who leave the garden should wear red leather shoes and eat chicken heads, and eat a little of all food. And he was the first one to eat. The details of the ceremony "going out of the garden" is a unique adult ceremony custom in Chaoshan area, aiming at children over 15 years old.

On the day of leaving the garden, children can't go too far from home or cross the bridge, just to make a good sign. On this day, parents will listen to what children ask or say. Generally speaking, they will not refuse unless they have to. In the afternoon, parents will invite the gardener's brothers and sisters and other children to eat chicken around the small table. When eating chicken, it is not the same as usual. It is not cut, but the child cuts it himself.