The Chinese Festival of Sacrifice to the Kitchen God, also known as Xiaojie Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival with various customs and practices. Here are some traditional customs associated with the festival:
1. Offering Sacrifice to the Kitchen God: The most significant custom of the festival is to offer sacrifice to the Kitchen God. Households prepare food and incense and place them in front of the stove to show their respect and appreciation for the Kitchen God.
2. Sweeping the House: On this day, it is customary to thoroughly clean the house from top to bottom, symbolizing the desire to sweep away bad luck and prepare for good luck in the coming year.
3. Eating Special Foods: There are specific foods associated with the festival, including sweet foods such as sugar melons and glutinous rice cakes, which symbolize a sweet and prosperous new year. Some families also prepare sticky rice cakes in the shape of a circular stove, offering them as a sacrifice to the Kitchen God.
4. Setting Off Fireworks: Setting off fireworks is a common practice on this festival, symbolizing the celebration of good luck and prosperity.
5. Family Gathering: The festival is also an occasion for family reunions. Family members gather together to share meals and celebrate the upcoming new year.
In English, these traditional customs can be described as follows: offering worship to the Kitchen God with food and incense, thoroughly cleaning the house to bid farewell to bad luck, eating special foods that symbolize prosperity and happiness, celebrating with fireworks, and gathering with family members to share meals and celebrate the new year.
