The Best Gifts for The second day of Lunar New Year’s Day
The second day of Lunar New Year’s Day is a special holiday that can be make more memorable with a well thought out gift. We have come up with some unique ideas for gifts for The second day of Lunar New Year’s Day along with ways of making the holiday really unique and memorable.
What Is The second day of Lunar New Year’s Day
The second day of Lunar New Year is a day dedicated to visiting the maternal grandparents’ home. Married daughters, accompanied by their husbands and children, return to their mother’s family home to pay their respects and offer gifts. This tradition symbolizes the importance of maintaining strong family ties and expressing gratitude to the maternal grandparents for their love and support.
The day begins with preparations and excitement as families carefully select gifts and delicacies to present to their relatives. Traditional gifts often include auspicious items such as fruits, sweets, and red envelopes filled with money, representing good fortune and prosperity.
Upon arrival at their grandparents’ home, the family members are greeted with warmth and affection. Children are showered with love and attention from their grandparents, who often have prepared special treats and activities for them. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, joy, and the sharing of stories and memories.
During the visit, the family engages in various activities to celebrate the occasion. They may play traditional games, exchange riddles, and enjoy a sumptuous feast prepared by the grandparents. The meal often features dishes that hold special significance for the family, passed down through generations.
As the day draws to a close, the family bids farewell to their grandparents, expressing their gratitude for the memorable visit. The grandparents, in turn, shower them with blessings and well wishes for the year ahead.
The second day of Lunar New Year is a cherished tradition that strengthens the bond between families and celebrates the importance of filial piety. It is a time to honor the maternal grandparents, express love and appreciation, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Best Gifts For The second day of Lunar New Year’s Day
Exchanging gifts is an integral part of the second day of Lunar New Year’s celebrations, signifying good fortune, prosperity, and harmony for the year ahead. The types of gifts exchanged vary across countries, reflecting unique traditions and cultural nuances.
China
In China, the second day of Lunar New Year is known as Kai Nian, which translates to “Opening the Year.” On this day, families and friends exchange gifts that symbolize good luck and prosperity. Common gifts include:
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Red envelopes: These are the most popular gifts, filled with money and decorated with auspicious symbols or calligraphy.
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Food: Food items, especially those with auspicious meanings, are often exchanged. Examples include oranges, which represent fullness and wealth; dates, symbolizing good fortune; and sticky rice cakes, representing unity and a sweet life.
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Decorations: Items like couplets, door gods, and paper-cuts depicting auspicious symbols or scenes are exchanged to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Vietnam
The second day of Tet Nguyen Dan, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is called Mùng Hai Tết. Gift-giving on this day is particularly important for married couples, who traditionally exchange gifts to show their love and commitment. Popular gifts include:
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Gold jewelry: Gold is considered a symbol of prosperity and wealth, so gold jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, or earrings, is a common gift.
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Red envelopes: Similar to China, red envelopes filled with money are exchanged, although they are often decorated with unique Vietnamese designs and calligraphy.
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Traditional clothing: Ao dai, the traditional Vietnamese dress, is a popular gift for married couples, symbolizing elegance and cultural pride.
South Korea
In South Korea, the second day of Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is called Yirirum. The focus on this day is on visiting relatives, particularly the wife’s parents, and exchanging gifts. Common gifts include:
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Hanbok: The traditional Korean dress, hanbok, is often gifted, especially to children, as a symbol of cultural heritage and respect.
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Food: Traditional Korean dishes, such as tteokguk (rice cake soup), jeon (savory pancakes), and fruit, are exchanged as gifts, representing abundance and good fortune.
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Gift baskets: Pre-packaged gift baskets filled with an assortment of snacks, sweets, and other items are a convenient and popular gift option.
Japan
In Japan, the second day of Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year, is called Moto no Hi. While gift-giving is not as common as on New Year’s Day, some gifts may be exchanged, such as:
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Otoshidama: Similar to red envelopes, otoshidama are small envelopes filled with money, traditionally given to children and unmarried adults by their elders.
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Food: Traditional Japanese New Year dishes, such as osechi ryori (a collection of small, festive dishes) and mochi (rice cakes), may be exchanged as gifts.
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Daruma dolls: These round, red dolls are often gifted as a symbol of good luck and perseverance, with the recipient painting one eye and making a wish. The second eye is painted once the wish is fulfilled.
How To Make The second day of Lunar New Year’s Day More Memorable
To make the second day of Lunar New Year’s Day special and memorable, it’s important to honor traditions and customs. Families gather and continue the festivities from the previous day, extending the spirit of reunion and prosperity.
In many Asian countries, people visit their relatives and friends, exchanging gifts and well wishes. Red envelopes containing money are often given to children, unmarried adults, and elderly relatives, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
In China, the second day of Lunar New Year is known as “初二回娘家,” or the day for married daughters to return to their parents’ home. Daughters bring gifts and delicacies to their parents, and families gather for a feast.
In Vietnam, the second day of Lunar New Year is called “Mùng 2 Tết,” and it’s a day for families to visit their ancestors’ graves. They bring offerings of food and flowers to pay their respects and seek blessings for the year ahead.
In South Korea, the second day of Lunar New Year is known as “Chilseok,” and it’s associated with the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. People celebrate by eating traditional dishes like japchae (glass noodles) and songpyeon (stuffed rice cakes), and by playing traditional games.
Gifts exchanged on the second day of Lunar New Year vary depending on the country and culture. Common gifts include:
- Red envelopes containing money: These are given to children, unmarried adults, and elderly relatives as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
- Food and delicacies: Families exchange gifts of traditional foods, homemade dishes, and sweet treats, symbolizing abundance and sharing.
- Clothing and accessories: New clothes and accessories are often given as gifts, representing a fresh start and new beginnings.
- Home decorations: Decorative items such as lucky charms, feng shui objects, and auspicious symbols are exchanged to bring good fortune and prosperity to the home.
By embracing traditions, exchanging gifts, and gathering with loved ones, the second day of Lunar New Year can be a meaningful and memorable celebration, fostering family bonds and spreading joy and prosperity for the year ahead.