What is the meaning of steaming buns on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month? What are the customs on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month?

The 29th day of the twelfth lunar month is also known as Little New Year's Eve. At this time, every household will steam buns and make various kinds of buns to welcome the New Year. So what is the meaning of steaming buns on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, and what customs are there on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month?

The meaning of steamed buns on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month

There is a Chinese saying: "On the 29th, steam buns." Steaming buns has the meaning of striving for excellence, symbolizing that the coming year will be prosperous. In addition, steamed buns are made of leavened dough, which will rise when steamed, so it also symbolizes getting rich.

According to custom, people are not allowed to use fire to steam buns or cook dishes from the first to the fifth day of the first lunar month, so people are accustomed to preparing staple food on the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth days of the twelfth lunar month. During the Spring Festival, it is taboo to cook food such as steaming, frying, and baking, because steaming sounds like "fighting", frying sounds like "quarrel", and baking sounds like "falling", all of which are unlucky.

On the other hand, steamed buns have many uses. First, they are eaten at home, second, they are used to entertain relatives and friends during the New Year, and third, they are used as offerings. As the saying goes: On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, hurry up and steam the buns. Steaming buns on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month symbolizes that the new year will be better and better, with the whole family reunited and full of happiness.

What are the customs on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month?

1. On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, people visit the graves of their ancestors and offer sacrifice

Admiration for ancestors is becoming increasingly prominent in our country. Treating the dead as if they were alive is not only an important sign of filial piety, but also a traditional virtue of respecting the elderly. Therefore, every festival day, it is necessary to offer sacrifices to the ancestors. This is not only a way to comfort the ancestors, but also an expression of gratitude and remembrance of the descendants for the ancestors. The Spring Festival is a major festival, so the ceremony of tomb sweeping and inviting ancestors is particularly dignified and important. The time for tomb sweeping and inviting ancestors is on the morning of the 29th in most areas, while in very few areas it is between noon and dusk on New Year's Eve.

2. Make steamed buns

The dough is ready on the 28th, and on the 29th it is time to start making steamed buns. Everyone lets their imagination run wild and makes the steamed buns into various shapes such as longevity peaches and animals. In Tianjin, people will go to Qiaoxiang Pavilion to ask for Chinese knots on this day, which means "Qiaoxiang welcomes blessings".