When is the sheep festival?

Sheep sacrifice is a "taboo for Yang Gong", also known as "thirteen taboos for Yang Gong", which refers to the 13th day of the first month, 21st of February, 9th of March, 7th of April, 5th of May, 3rd of June, 1st of July, 29th of July, 27th of August, 25th of September, 23rd of October, 21st of November and 19th of December.

According to folklore, the 13th day of the first month is the biggest, most vicious, poisonous and unlucky "death day" in a year. In traditional customs, on this day, people don't visit relatives, don't go out, don't have weddings, don't break ground, and can't move. The thirteenth lunar month is not used for happy events.

In ancient times, on the 13th to 16th day of the first lunar month, people would fill their houses with lanterns to eliminate ominous folk customs. Scattered lanterns are also called "scattered villains". When it comes to snuff, every household will take out the prepared "snuff", and the whole family will start to sprinkle snuff, which will be scattered everywhere in the house and yard. Being away from home all the time will take away a year of bad luck, and at the same time, good luck will come.

On the 13th night of the first month in Yangzhou, the whole family eats glutinous rice balls, which means "Tuan Tuan Yuan Yuan". In fact, children's hearts have already flown into the street, swallowed three mouthfuls, pushed bowls, and rushed to the street in droves to see lanterns.