Lunar Vigil: Night of New Beginnings

 

The Tradition of Staying Up for the New Year: A Cultural Legacy

One of the most significant customs during the Chinese New Year is staying awake on the eve of the new year—known as "Shousui" (守岁). This tradition dates back centuries, with the earliest mention found in the Fengtu Zhi by Zhou Chu from the Western Jin Dynasty. On New Year's Eve, people would exchange gifts, a practice known as “keisui” (馈岁), invite one another to meals, referred to as “beshui” (别岁), and gather together to drink and wish each other well, a tradition known as “fensui” (分岁). The custom of staying awake through the night, waiting for the dawn, became known as “Shousui” (守岁).

A Night of New Beginnings

The saying “One night spans two years, and the fifth watch divides the day” captures the essence of this night. On New Year's Eve, families gather together for a feast, light candles or oil lamps, and sit around the stove, chatting into the night, waiting for the moment to usher in the new year. The tradition of staying awake symbolizes driving away evil spirits, illness, and misfortune, while welcoming the blessings of the coming year. This practice gradually became more widespread, and by the early Tang Dynasty, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, even wrote a poem on the theme of staying awake: “Farewell to the winter snow, while the warm spring wind arrives.”

Even today, the custom of staying up through the night to welcome the new year is still very much alive.

The Deeper Meaning of "Shousui"

In ancient times, "Shousui" had two significant meanings: for the elders, staying awake symbolized bidding farewell to the old year, a way of cherishing time. For the younger generation, staying awake was a way of wishing for the longevity of their parents. Since the Han Dynasty, the moment of transition between the old and new years typically occurred around midnight.

As the new year approaches, “Shousui” serves as a heartfelt ritual, uniting families, marking the passage of time, and symbolizing the hope for good fortune in the year ahead.

The Tradition of Staying Up on New Year’s Eve: A Celebration of Family and Renewal

On New Year's Eve, families across China gather together for a festive reunion and enjoy a hearty family dinner. This tradition of staying awake, or “Shousui” (守岁), has been a common practice in Chinese culture for centuries. According to historical records, this custom originated during the Northern and Southern Dynasties and gradually spread in popularity. By the early Tang Dynasty, the famous Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, even wrote a poem dedicated to the tradition of staying awake:

“Farewell to the winter snow, while the warm spring wind arrives.”

This beautiful verse captures the essence of “Shousui,” symbolizing the transition from winter to spring, from the old year to the new. Even today, the tradition remains widely practiced across the country. On New Year's Eve, people light firecrackers outside to drive away bad luck, while inside, families gather around the television, sharing laughter and joy as they await the arrival of the new year.

A Night of Celebration and Anticipation

The custom of staying up late on New Year's Eve not only represents a time of family bonding but also serves as a way to welcome the new year with hope and joy. Whether it's the warmth of family or the sound of fireworks ringing through the night, "Shousui" has evolved into a festive occasion that embodies the spirit of renewal and togetherness.