What is the custom of off-year

1 Beichang dumplings vs Nanpin rice cake

In the north, every important festival is inseparable from jiaozi. It is their eternal custom to see jiaozi off in the wind. In the south where sugarcane is prevalent, especially in Fuzhou, eating sugarcane means "getting higher and higher" and "being the first"; Some areas also eat rice cakes, which means "rising year by year"; Eating jiaozi in some areas means "family reunion, life is as sweet as honey".

2 north sweep vs south dust removal

As the saying goes, "It's the New Year, and it's swept inside and outside." On this day of off-year, every household should clean the environment and greet the Spring Festival cleanly!

In the south, this is called "sweeping the house"; In the north, this is called "dust removal".

This custom can be traced back to 3000 years ago, when it was a religious ceremony to drive away epidemic ghosts and pray for well-being. Later, "dust" and "Chen" were homophonic, and sweeping dust meant sweeping away old things. It refers to both the old scales in the courtyard and the disappointments encountered in the old year, all of which are resolved.

3 North stick grilles vs South Write Spring Festival couplets

In fact, in this respect, the difference between North and South is not so great. No matter in the south or in the north, every household will write Spring Festival couplets and pray for a safe and smooth New Year. Those skilled people will come to cut window grilles, animals and plants, traditional figures and so on. The patterns are varied and gratifying.

Different customs of offering sacrifices to stoves

In addition to offering candied melon cakes, people in the northern region have to change the portrait of the kitchen god, and at the same time, every household has to "invite" a new one.

In the south, it is mainly to burn paper for worship, and all the dishes should be served to the chef and grandmother before they are shared.