The year 2024, the Year of the Dragon, is just around the corner, and the first few days of the new year are considered highly important in many cultures. It is believed that what happens during these initial days can impact one’s fortune for the entire year ahead. So, let’s plan and prepare for the things to do on the second day of the Lunar New Year, the Dragon Year 2024.
1 Visiting the Maternal Side of the Family
Visiting the Maternal Family
“The first day of the New Year is for the father’s side, the second day for the mother’s, and the third day for the teacher” – this ancient saying reflects the beautiful traditional culture of Vietnam during the first three days of the year. It implies that if the first day is spent with the paternal side of the family, offering ancestral worship and exchanging New Year greetings with relatives, then the second day is dedicated to the maternal side.
Gathering as a family, sharing warm meals, and exchanging sincere wishes are considered auspicious activities that can bring good fortune for the year ahead.
2 Setting Out to Welcome Luck
Setting Out to Welcome Luck
According to folk beliefs, this is an excellent day to set out in a direction of your choice to invite luck. For example, if you head north, you will meet the God of Wealth, indicating a prosperous year ahead. On the other hand, if you go southeast, you will encounter the God of Happiness, signifying a smooth and blissful journey in love.
3 Ancestral Worship and Paying Homage to Deities
Ancestral Worship and Paying Homage to Deities
Of course, we must not forget the rituals of worshipping our ancestors and deities during these first few days of the New Year. This is a way to show our gratitude and respect to our ancestors and deities, seeking their blessings for a peaceful year ahead for our family.
Frequently asked questions
The second day of the Lunar New Year is dedicated to visiting and spending time with the maternal side of the family. This is rooted in an ancient saying, ‘The first day of the New Year is for the father, the second day for the mother…’, reflecting a beautiful tradition in Vietnam. It is believed that gathering with the mother’s side of the family, sharing meals, and exchanging heartfelt wishes will bring good fortune for the upcoming year.
Yes, according to folk beliefs, the second day of the Dragon Year is an auspicious day to set out and welcome luck. You can choose a direction to head towards, each with its own symbolic meaning. For instance, traveling north may lead you to encounter the God of Wealth, signifying prosperity, while a journey to the southeast may bring you to the God of Happiness, promising a smooth and blissful path in matters of the heart.
Absolutely. Ancestral worship and paying homage to deities are integral parts of the new year traditions. These rituals express our gratitude and respect for our ancestors and deities, and it is believed that they will bestow blessings of peace and prosperity upon your family for the year ahead.
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