Day 7 – 正月初七: Renri (人日) – Everyone’s Birthday  

- Significance: Human Day — according to tradition, the day humans were created; considered the common birthday of all people.  
- Customs:  
  - Celebrate people in general: good wishes for everyone’s health and longevity.  
  - In some regions:  
    - Eat Seven-vegetable soup or Seven-vegetable congee.  
    - In Cantonese regions, eat yu sheng (鱼生, raw fish salad) for prosperity and rising fortune.  
  - A day to appreciate human life and relationships.  

Day 9 – 正月初九: Birthday of the Jade Emperor  
- Significance: Major day for worship of the Jade Emperor, the supreme deity in many folk beliefs.  
- Customs:  
  - Large ceremonies with incense, candles, paper offerings.  
  - In some southern regions (especially Fujian), very elaborate rituals and feasts.  
  - People pray for peace, good weather, and success.  
 

How the sugarcane plant is believed to have saved the Hokkiens

According to Hokkien tradition, long ago during the Chinese New Year period, the Hokkien people were being hunted by enemies. They had nowhere to hide and feared for their lives. They escaped into sugarcane fields and stayed hidden among the tall plants. Because the sugarcane grew thick and high, their enemies could not find them.

The Hokkiens survived by hiding there until the danger passed. This happened on the 9th day of the Lunar New Year, which is also the birthday of the Jade Emperor. Since then, the Hokkien people give thanks to the Jade Emperor on this day and use sugarcane during prayers to remember how the plant helped save their ancestors.

Even today, many Hokkiens celebrate the 9th day of Lunar New Year with sugarcane as a symbol of protection, gratitude, and good fortune.

On 24th February 2026, the 8th lunar day – for sale and ready for praying this evening on the 9th lunar day

The bundled sugarcane stalks have just arrived. A vendor bought them and will sell them at her stall in a few hours.
They are not meant for eating, so the stalks are simply placed on the ground.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a major Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a day of celebration, forgiveness, and strengthening family and community ties, often observed with prayers, visiting relatives, and festive meals.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri vs Chinese New Year

2025 31 March vs 29 January
2026  20 March vs 17 February
2027  9 March vs 6 February
2028  26 February vs 26 January
2029 15 February vs 13 February
2030 4 February vs 3 February
2031 25 January vs 23 January
2032 14 January vs 11 February
2033 3 Jan & 23 Dec vs 31 January
2034 12 December vs 19 February

*Coincide

 

Sembawang Park area

During CNY 2026
Source & Credit: 

On 28th February 2026