The tenth day of Chinese New Year is the birthday of the God of Stone. On this day it is forbidden to move any stones, including stone rollers, stone mills and stone mortars. It is called “Shi Bu Dong” meaning “no moving any stone”. It is also forbidden to cut into a mountain for rock or build a house with rocks, as it will ruin crops.

On this day, families burn incense and candles for the stones, and offer pancakes to the God of Stone.

Mythology: In ancient times, the tenth day of Chinese New Year was the day to celebrate the marriage of the mouse. According to legends in the Southern Yangtze River regions a mouse is a harmful and unlucky animal. By marrying the mouse off you could ensure a peaceful and lucky new year. Families would not open boxes or cabinets, and would go to bed early so as not to disturb the mice. Children put out candies and peanuts in the corners of the house as a dowry for the mouse. To this day pictures and paper cuttings about the marriage of mice are popular among the people in China.

Join us tomorrow to celebrate Day Eleven of the Chinese New Year!

References: Wikipedia, Jadeturtlerecords.com, Chinadaily.com, Chinatownology.com, Chinesefortunecalendar.com, Chinesezodiac.com, Surveycrest.com, Chinatravel.com, Chinahighlights.com.