: Symbolizing luck and prosperity, these are given to children and younger family members.
The is built upon three pillars of gratitude: Xia Qingzi - Chinese New Year Thanksgiving Fest...
The may have started in ancient Chinese fields, but its message is universal. As you prepare for the loud fireworks and red envelopes of the mainstream New Year, consider pausing for one quiet day of Xia Qingzi. Light a candle. Cook a simple grain. Call your parents. Write down three things you are grateful for. : Symbolizing luck and prosperity, these are given
Unlike the massive New Year’s Eve dinner, the Xia Qingzi feast is smaller, more intimate, and silent at the start. The meal begins with a Jing Cha (敬茶) – a tea offering. Then, the head of the household kneels before the altar. Notably, the dogs and cats of the house are also fed first on this day, as a traditional proverb states: "Thank the creatures of the house before you fill your own mouth." Light a candle
To join in the merriment, consider the following ideas:
Don't treat these as two separate, stressful events. View them as a continuum. Use the downtime between the holidays to prepare ingredients that speak both languages. A meal doesn't have to be strictly turkey or strictly dumplings—it can be a conversation between the two.