The annual “spring cleaning” before Chinese New Year is a significant traditional custom, commonly known as “sǎo chén” (sweeping away dust), symbolizing “out with the old, in with the new.” This practice not only aims to clean the home but also carries profound cultural meaning and auspicious wishes.Traditionally, the cleaning is done during the twelfth lunar month (Làyuè), especially between Little New Year (typically on the 23rd or 24th day of the twelfth month) and New Year’s Eve. There is a folk saying: “On the 24th of La Yue, sweep the dust and clean the house.” It is believed that cleaning during this time drives away bad luck and welcomes good fortune. In ancient times, people thought that after the Kitchen God ascended to heaven on the 23rd, cleaning would not offend deities and could remove the accumulated ill-fortune of the past year, making way for blessings.Some regions also emphasize choosing an “auspicious day” for cleaning, avoiding dates that clash with the zodiac signs of family members to ensure peace and prosperity in the coming year. Although modern lifestyles have made strict adherence to traditional dates less common, many families still maintain the practice of pre-festival cleaning as a continuation of cultural heritage and an expression of hopes for a happy and prosperous new year.
春节前的“大扫除”是中国传统年俗中的重要环节，民间俗称“扫尘”，寓意“除旧布新”。这一习俗不仅是为了清洁环境，更承载着深厚的文化内涵和美好祝愿。从时间上讲，传统上大扫除通常选择在腊月（农历十二月）进行，尤其集中在腊月二十三或二十四“小年”之后至除夕前完成。民间有“腊月二十四，掸尘扫房子”的谚语，认为这段时间打扫能驱除晦气、迎接福气。旧时人们相信，腊月廿三后灶神上天述职，此时清扫家中不会冲撞神明，且能扫走一年的积秽，为新岁纳吉。此外，一些地区还讲究选择“吉日”进行大扫除，避免在“凶日”或与家中成员属相相冲的日子动扫，以求来年家宅安宁、诸事顺遂。虽然现代生活节奏加快，许多人不再严格遵循传统日期，但多数家庭仍保留春节前集中打扫的习惯，既是对传统文化的延续，也寄托了人们对辞旧迎新、幸福安康的期盼。
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