Why is the time of Xiaonian different in different places?

When talking about Little New Year, everyone may think it is the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, but it is not. Because the customs of different parts of my country are different, the date of Xiaonian is also different. In the northern regions, the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is generally designated as the Little New Year, while in the southern regions, the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month is generally designated as the Little New Year. Then why is the time of Xiaonian different?

Why is the time of the New Year different?

Due to different customs in different places, Xiaonian does not refer to a fixed day, but has different concepts and dates in different places. The reason why the time of the Little New Year's Eve in the north and south is different is that the north was the political center before the Southern Song Dynasty and was more influenced by the official atmosphere. Therefore, the Little New Year's Eve was usually on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. On the contrary, the south is far away from the political center, so the Little New Year's Eve is on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month. In addition to the different time, the diet for the Little New Year in the north and south is also different. The south eats rice cakes, and the north eats dumplings.

But no matter when it is the Little New Year, it represents the unique customs of a region, as well as the uniqueness and regionality of our Chinese culture. In some regions, customs may be different even if they are separated by mountains. Moreover, China is so big that it is normal for customs to be different.

The time of Xiaonian differs in different places

Most of the northern regions: The 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month - "Little New Year in the North"

In ancient times, the northern region also celebrated the Little New Year on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month. From the middle and late Qing Dynasty, the imperial family held a ceremony to worship the sky on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. In order to "save money", they also worshipped the Kitchen God. Therefore, the people in the northern region followed suit and celebrated the Little New Year one day in advance on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month.

Most of the southern regions: The 24th day of the twelfth lunar month - "Traditional Chinese New Year"

As early as the Song Dynasty, there were records of "celebrating the Little New Year on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month". In most parts of the south, the ancient tradition of celebrating the Little New Year on this day is still maintained.

Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai regions: the day before New Year's Eve - "Little New Year's Eve"

In the Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai regions, New Year's Eve is usually called "Big New Year's Eve". Correspondingly, the night before New Year's Eve is called "Little New Year's Eve", and this day is also called Little New Year. Historically, the 24th night of the twelfth lunar month, which the people of Wu called the 24th Night, is the day to send off the Kitchen God, and therefore called this night the Little New Year's Eve.

Parts of Sichuan and Guizhou: New Year's Eve - "Little New Year"

In some areas in southwest my country, people celebrate the Little New Year on New Year's Eve, and their Big New Year is mostly on the 14th or 15th day of the first lunar month.

Nanjing and other places: The 15th day of the first lunar month (Lantern Festival) - "Little New Year"