On the ninth day of the first lunar month, there are customs such as "seven things not to do before going out", "eight things not to do before returning home", and "a lot of affairs to handle on the ninth day". Let's take a closer look below. The beginning of the year is called "Zheng", meaning that the first month of the lunar calendar is the first month of the year. The good or bad days in the first month vary from year to year. Click on Huayi.com 2022 First Month special section to learn more.

What are the customs on the ninth day of the first lunar month?

Seven things not to do before going out: Before leaving home, if seven things have not been done, you should not go out. These seven things are: firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea, which are commonly referred to as the "seven essential things for starting a household." In the past, those who went out were often the head of the family, the backbone of the family, so they had to arrange the household life properly before going out.
Eight things not to do before returning home: After going out, if eight things have not been done, you should not return home. These eight things are: filial piety, respect for elders, loyalty, trustworthiness, propriety, righteousness, integrity, and
shame. These are the eight basic moral standards for ancient people. Violating any one of them would be considered disrespectful to ancestors and would bring shame to the family.
A lot of affairs to handle on the ninth day: Handling matters on the ninth day of the first lunar month will be blessed by the Jade Emperor. To this day, some elderly people still prefer to deal with difficult matters on this day.

What should be avoided?

1. Avoid hanging clothes to dry
The ninth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of the Heavenly Father, the Jade Emperor. This day is particularly important. All households avoid hanging clothes to dry, especially women's pants and undergarments! Because this is considered taboo, it is seen as disrespectful to the Jade Emperor, and people fear punishment!
2. Avoid emptying the trash can and carrying fertilizer
The Jade Emperor is known as the "Heavenly Father," and according to legend, on the ninth day of the first lunar month, people "worship the Heavenly Father." Therefore, all members of the family, young and old, must fast, bathe, offer incense, and perform rituals to worship and recite scriptures. Thus, on the ninth day, people cannot empty the trash can or carry fertilizer, to maintain a clean body when worshipping the Heavenly Father, showing respect to the Jade Emperor and seeking his blessings. Additional reading: Preface of the Zhao Clan Genealogy of Leping, Jiangxi.
3. Avoid adults drinking alcohol
Ancient Han people believed that the number nine represents the most, the greatest, and the highest. Therefore, the ninth day is also known as the "Day of Heaven," the birthday of the Jade Emperor. Hence, adults must hold very grand ceremonies on this day, using drinking and other ways to celebrate the Jade Emperor's birthday.