Little New Year

The 24th day of the twelfth lunar month is commonly known as "Xiao Nian Ye" (Little New Year's Eve).

Late at night the day before, every household offers sacrifices to the Kitchen God, sending "Jiutian Dongchu Siming Zaojun" to heaven to report on affairs. This is commonly known as "sending off the Kitchen God" or "sacrificing to the Kitchen God". People pray that the Kitchen God will speak more kind words in front of the Jade Emperor and bless the safety of the whole family, including both humans and livestock.

　　Sending off the Kitchen God

On the Minor New Year, every household hangs portraits of their ancestors in the main hall. These portraits record the names of ancestors from past generations or depict their likenesses. Candlesticks, incense tables, and offerings are set up to welcome the ancestors home for the New Year. From this day onwards, every family cleans their furniture, takes apart and washes their bedding, and sweeps away dust, preparing to welcome the New Year in a clean and tidy manner.