🌸 The First Day of the Chinese New Year: Welcoming Spring 🌸 🧨 On the first day of the Chinese New Year, there's a saying in Cangzhou: "Rise early, live well." Before dawn, people wake up early to honor their ancestors, worship deities, burn incense, and set off firecrackers—an activity known as "Qiang Chun" or "Welcoming Spring." This tradition reflects reverence for heaven and the gods, praying for favorable weather and family peace in the coming year. By daytime, after enjoying the dumplings, people visit relatives and friends, bringing gifts in a custom called "He Xin Sui," or "Welcoming the New Year." Younger generations pay their respects to elders, wishing them well and receiving lucky money in return. This exchange symbolizes warding off evil spirits and embracing a year of blessings. 🧧 #CangzhouTraditions #NewYear #SeizingSpring #CelebratingTheNewYear #AncestorWorship #RedEnvelopes #LuckyMoney #NewYearCustoms #ChineseCulture #CangzhouTravel

Spotted: Stand Up Paddleboarders on the Yukon River #SeizingSpring