By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Feb 16: Do you know that according to Chinese customs, today is the common ‘birthday’ of all humans?
Today, the seventh day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar is Ren Ri (人日), which literally translates to People’s Day or Humans’ Day.
According to Chinese mythology, the goddess Nu Wa (女娲) was the one who created the world before she began creating different creatures on each of the first seven days of the month, starting with chickens, dogs, boars, sheep, cows, horses, and finally humans.
As Ren Ri is usually celebrated with the Lunar New Year, some dishes that signify luck and prosperity will be prepared.
Some of the most common ones are ‘seven vegetable soup; (七菜羹), ‘seven vegetable congee’ (七菜粥), and ‘seven-coloured raw fish’ (七彩魚生), all consisting of seven different ingredients.
In some regions, making and eating dumplings is a traditional Ren Ri activity because dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity.
Meanwhile, some may celebrate Ren Ri with energetic dragon and lion dances; some may visit temples or ancestral graves to offer prayers and make offerings, while some may simply gather with their families for a meal.
Overall, Ren Ri is a time for joyous celebrations, reflection on humanity’s origins, and hopes for a prosperous and harmonious future.
So, how are you going to celebrate your ‘birthday’ today? — DayakDaily
