On the 9th day of the first lunar month, it is not advisable to go out.

People often say, "Seven is not for going out, eight is not for returning, and nine is for causing trouble when going out." This means that the 7th day of the first lunar month is not suitable for going out, and the 8th day is not suitable for returning from afar. Going out on the 9th day may bring troubles. "Going out on the 9th day brings disputes" is a taboo of the Tujia ethnic group. In their view, the 9th day is the "Red Slaughter Day," with the saying "If you meet the Red Slaughter when going out, you won't return home." It is said that going out on this day may bring disputes to oneself. Another explanation is that ancient people considered the number "nine" very auspicious, so people stay at home on this day, because going out might cause the loss of wealth and good luck. Therefore, people do not go out on this day.

1. In central Hunan: "Seven is not for going out, eight is not for returning, and nine is for coming back empty-handed."

In areas like Yiyang in Hunan, the elders say that the 7th day of the first lunar month is not suitable for long trips, and the 8th day is not suitable for returning from afar. The 9th day is the most inauspicious day for going out to seek wealth. This is because, in the local people's understanding, "nine" is a number of supreme importance, meaning the largest natural number. Since ancient times, feudal emperors have used "Nine Five Honor" to represent the highest status.

2. In northwest Hunan: "Seven is not for going out, eight is not for returning, and nine is for bringing children back."

In areas like Changde and Huaihua in Hunan, some places hold the 9th day in high regard. In the eyes of the locals, the 9th day is a "big day." On this day, if you travel far, single people may find an ideal partner and get married and have children in a foreign place, thus returning with a baby, as the saying goes, "Going out as one person, returning as half a couple."