Why is the fifth day of the Lunar New Year called Po Wu? What are the customs of Po Wu?

The fifth day of the Lunar New Year is also called Po Wu. In addition to observing the taboos of the rules, there are many customs, which are also very important contents on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. So why is the fifth day of the Lunar New Year called Po Wu? What are the customs of Po Wu?

Why is the fifth day of the Lunar New Year called Po Wu?

The fifth day of the Lunar New Year is called Po Wu because according to legend, Jiang Taigong named his wife the "Goddess of Poverty" and ordered her to "return home when she sees Po Wu". In order to avoid the "Goddess of Poverty", people called this day "Po Wu".

It is said that when people were inviting gods to come to the human world on New Year's Eve, they forgot about the "dirty god", Jiang Taigong's wife. So she was so angry that she went to the Jade Emperor to make trouble. Although the Jade Emperor had a smile on his face, he did not say a word. At this time, Jiang Taigong's wife was so angry that she beat her chest and stamped her feet. Seeing that the situation was about to get serious, the Jade Emperor said, "How about this, today is the fifth day of the first lunar month. Let people set off a few more firecrackers for you, make dumplings for you, and spend money again!" This is the origin of the term "Po Wu".

What are the customs of breaking the fifth day?

1. Send away poverty

"Sending away the poor" is a distinctive seasonal custom among the ancient Chinese people. It means to sacrifice and send away the poor ghost (the god of poverty). It was first performed on the last day of the month, and after the Tang Dynasty it was gradually moved to the fifth day of the first lunar month. On this day, each family makes a woman out of paper, called "Sunshine Sweeping Lady", "Five Poor Lady" or "Five Poor Lady". She carries a paper bag on her back, then sweeps all the dirt in the house into the bag, and sends it outside the door to be blown up with lit firecrackers.

2. Welcome the God of Wealth

The custom of "welcoming the God of Wealth" on the fifth day of the first lunar month was popular in the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the Republic of China, and is still popular among the people today. At this time, people welcome the "God of Wealth" Zhao Gongming. Legend has it that he only comes down from the Dragon and Tiger Altar on the fifth day of the first lunar month in a year, and he visits people's homes at will. So everyone sets off firecrackers, burns incense and offers sacrifices early on this day, to welcome him, hoping that his visit will bring good fortune for the year.

3. Opening

According to the old custom, during the Spring Festival, all shops, big and small, are closed from the first day of the Lunar New Year and reopen on the fifth day of the first lunar month. Because the fifth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of the God of Wealth, choosing to open the market on this day will surely bring in wealth.

4. Eat dumplings

On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, people have the custom of eating dumplings. For example, on the fifth day of the New Year in Tianjin, every household eats dumplings. When making the stuffing, the chopping board must be rubbed with a clanging sound to indicate that they are rubbing the "villain". Making dumplings is also commonly known as "warding off slander". It is said that this can get rid of the trouble of slander.

5. Worship the ancestors

The ancestors are the people who invented things in various industries, or famous people. They may be national heroes, politicians, writers, or craftsmen. It is natural that later generations should inherit their ancestors. Carry forward. On this day, people worship the ancestors of the industry to show that they should remember their roots and never forget their origins.