Full coverage: 2017 Spring Festival

Today is the 23rd day of the 12th month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Traditionally, this day is called the Preliminary Eve.

Today is the 23rd day of the 12th month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Traditionally, this day is called the Preliminary Eve.

It is a time when Chinese people offer sacrifices to the Kitchen God. Nowadays, most families just cook delicious food for themselves to enjoy. In some parts of the country, people also clean their homes thoroughly, including their clothes and bedclothes. People also maintain a tradition of cutting their hair on this day.

After Preliminary Eve, people often start preparing for the Chinese New Year. This is called “seeing the New Year in.” Paper cuttings of Chinese characters and gods will be hung on doors and windows, and everybody will stock up on their New Year’s goods. The festive atmosphere will begin from today.