The twelfth day of Chinese New Year marks the beginning of returning to a lighter diet after all the greasy and rich foods of the past eleven days. It is also the day that everyone starts to prepare for the Lantern Festival which will take place in three days on the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year.
Mythology: In some places the tradition is to make a fire with cypress branches that people will gather around to warm themselves as well as to drive out any evil spirits and pestilence. People may also burn any old furniture that they no longer use. Some will even carve the burned cypress into the shape of a lock. Parents make a necklace of the lock carving and give it to babies to bless them. Children will not get any diseases after warming themselves by the fire. Old people make a wish for a grandson before the fire.
Cypress has a long history as an herbal plant used to cleanse evil spirits, clear the mind and refresh the soul.
Join us tomorrow to celebrate Day Thirteen of the Chinese New Year!
References: Wikipedia, Jadeturtlerecords.com, Chinadaily.com, Chinatownology.com, Chinesefortunecalendar.com, Chinesezodiac.com, Surveycrest.com, Chinatravel.com, Chinahighlights.com.
