The second day of the Lunar New Year (February 18) arrives with a full lineup of festive traditions in Hong Kong—from the "New Year Feast" (開年飯) celebratory meal and Che Kung's Birthday rituals to the much-anticipated Lunar New Year fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.
According to tradition, people believe that the period from Lunar New Year's Eve to the first day of the New Year is a time when the gods are "resting," and they formally "return" on the second day. Because the first day is traditionally associated with avoiding killing and observing a clean start to the year, many people historically kept a vegetarian diet until Day Two, when a more lavish meal became appropriate.
As a result, families often hold their first major New Year banquet on Day Two, featuring auspicious "lucky dishes" such as:
- Lettuce (生菜)
- Black moss / fat choy (髮菜)
- Dried oysters (蠔豉)
In modern-day Hong Kong, meals are generally less rule-bound. There is no fixed menu, but it is typically more abundant than everyday dining, commonly including chicken, fish, pork, cured meats, and vegetables.
Traditional beliefs also come with a few New Year's "don'ts." It is said that Lunar New Year Day One and Day Two are the Water God's birthday, so people avoid doing laundry on these days.
Day Two is also viewed as a time when single men and women may pray to Yue Lao (the Matchmaker God) for favorable romantic fortune in the coming year. A common reminder is not to bring an umbrella, as the word "umbrella" (傘) sounds like "separation" (散) in Chinese and is therefore considered inauspicious.
Day Two also coincides with Che Kung's Birthday (車公誕), when many residents and visitors go to Che Kung Temple to pray for blessings. A well-known ritual is to turn a pinwheel for luck:
- If you feel last year went well, turn the pinwheel clockwise to continue your good fortune.
- If you feel last year went poorly, turn it counterclockwise to symbolize reversing bad luck and turning things around.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club will present the Year of the Horse-themed fireworks show titled "Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong" (馬到功成耀香江). The display features eight scenes, lasts 23 minutes, and will launch 31,888 fireworks.
- Time: 8:00 PM, February 18 (Lunar New Year Day Two)
- Location: Victoria Harbour
Viewers can enjoy the fireworks from multiple spots along both sides of the harbor, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Mid-Levels, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and Hung Hom.
Related:
Floats, fireworks, and festivities: Hong Kong kicks off the year of the horse
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