In the North of China on the Thirteenth day of Chinese New Year, it is the day of the death of sons of old man, Mr. Yang. He had thirteen sons who all died in a row within one year, with the first son dying on the thirteenth day of the Chinese New Year. Because of this it is often considered a bad luck day, not good for marriage, best for staying home! In the Southern China, particularly in the City of Nantong, in the Jiangsu Province, this is a day to appreciate lanterns. It is a day for walking to temples and appreciating the lanterns in place as a precursor to the upcoming New Year’s Lantern Festival celebrated on the 15th day of Chinese New Years. Some lanterns will even have riddles written on them for visitors to guess and enjoy.

Mythology: Nantong, is known as a “Pearl of the River and Sea”. It is a coastal city located on the Yangtze River with a history dating back to the Han Dynasty. The region has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. The cities flower is the chrysanthemum, a wonderful herb enjoyed as a tea, and to treat headaches, colds and flu. See our chrysanthemum herb page for more information.

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

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