Human Day Missing During Chinese New Year Celebrations

During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the legend of Human Day was considered one of the most important celebrations in China. Unfortunately this deep and meaningful tradition has been forgotten in China today, although this tradition continues in Japan.

During the Han Dynasty, observing Human Day became part of the Chinese New Year tradition, and it was set on the seventh day of January.

The Book of Divination says, first day is about fowls, second day dogs, third day hogs, fourth day sheep, fifth day oxen, sixth day horses, and seventh day humans.

After the Wei and Jin dynasties, a new legend emerged regarding Human Day. According to Chinas mythology, Goddess Nu Wa used clay to create humans on this day; therefore, humans regarded Jan. 7 as their birthday.

Nu Wa came to be known as the Goddess of Creation and Master Goddess. As an almighty goddess, she is able to create and transform all matter. She created a group of small people modeled after her own appearance. In this way, the land was quickly covered with traces of humanity.

Nu Wa also set forth the marriage system, so that humans could continue family lines. Therefore, she was Chinas first matchmaker and was later espoused as the Master Goddess of marriage.

Childless married couples prayed to Nu Wa for children. So, Nu Wa was not only the goddess of marriage, but also the goddess of childbearing.

Later, Nu Wa fixed the broken sky by melting down stones, saving humanity from extinction. So, she is also worshipped as a Protector Goddess for human beings.

The ancients believed that the seventh day of the first month was best if it was a sunny day, symbolizing longevity and prosperity, as well as world harmony.

Dongfang Shuo of the Han Dynasty wrote The Book of Divination in which he explained: On the seventh, which is human day, fine weather from dawn to dusk and a bright moonlit night with visible stars (is the most desirable) and signals peoples safety. The monarch and his officials are united in harmony.

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Human Day Missing During Chinese New Year Celebrations