15-day guide to 2007 Chinese New Year of the Pig
Day 1
Abstain from meat to ensure a long and happy life
Day 2
Give special care to dogs because this is THE birthday of the dog
Day 3 and 4
Devote to in-laws of the family. Son-in-law and parents-in-law exchange gifts of respect and mutual admiration
Day 5
"Po Woo" is the fifth day where everyone stays home to welcome the God of wealth and prosperity for the New Year.
Day 6
On day six of the Chinese festival, it is the best time for everybody to pay visit to temples and holy places and pray for families. It is also perfectly right to visit with friends and neighbors during this day and is appropriate up to the tenth day of the festival.
Day 7
On the seventh day, best to serve noodles and raw fish in all household to celebrate the birth of mankind. This is also a day where farmers display their bounty of the previous year's harvest. To celebrate this great day a vegetable beverage is best served containing seven vegetable ingredients.
Day 8
On the eighth day, say midnight prayers for the God of the Heavens, Tian Gong. This is a day of thanks and remembrance.
Day 9
On the ninth day certain offerings are made to the Jade Emperor.
Day 10 to 14
From the tenth day to the fourteenth day dinners are held in which foods like rice, congee and mustard greens are served. These food items purify the human system for all of the havoc caused by the previous days of party food.
Day 15
The fifteenth day is known as the Lantern Festival which takes place always at night. This year's Lantern Festival is March 3 and is best celebrated by a spectacular parade and food fares.
This day bids farewell to the previous Year of the Dog and welcomes the Year of the Pig.