Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival (農曆新年 / 春節), is the most important traditional holiday in Taiwan. It follows the lunar calendar and usually falls between late January and mid-February.
Taiwan Lunar New Year traditions are deeply rooted in family rituals and folk religion.
In Taiwan, the celebration lasts from New Year’s Eve through the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, ending with the Lantern Festival (元宵節).
Below is a day-by-day explanation based on documented Taiwanese practices.
Day 1 — 初一 (Dà nián chū yī)🧧
1. Bài Nián (拜年) – New Year Greetings
On the first day, families visit relatives and elders to offer New Year greetings. Children bow and say auspicious phrases such as:
- 新年快樂 (Happy New Year)
- 恭喜發財 (Wishing you prosperity)
This tradition symbolizes respect for elders and family unity.
2. Setting Off Firecrackers (放鞭炮)
Firecrackers are traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. While modern regulations restrict fireworks in many cities, the symbolic meaning remains widely recognized.
3. Eating Vegetarian Food
In Taiwan, many families eat vegetarian meals on the first day. This custom is influenced by Buddhist and Taoist beliefs, symbolizing purification and compassion at the start of the year.
4. Temple Visits
Visiting temples on Day 1 is common. Families burn incense and pray for blessings in the coming year. Major temples across Taiwan experience heavy crowds.
If you’re learning Mandarin, you can explore essential Chinese New Year vocabulary here.
👉 Chinese New Year vocabulary in Mandarin
Day 2 — 初二 (Dà nián chū èr)🏮
Returning to the Wife’s Family (回娘家)
Traditionally, married daughters return to their parents’ home on the second day. This reflects Confucian family structure customs that historically prioritized the husband’s household.
Playing Mahjong
Mahjong games are a common New Year activity, symbolizing social bonding and entertainment.
Praying to Yue Lao (月老)
Unmarried individuals may visit temples dedicated to Yue Lao, the deity associated with marriage, to pray for good relationships.
Day 3 — 初三 (Dà nián chū sān)🏠
Day 3 is sometimes called “Red Dog Day” (赤狗日) in folk belief. It is considered less auspicious for visiting relatives.
Common customs include:
- Staying home and resting
- Visiting the Earth God (土地公) for prosperity
- Folklore reference to “The Rat’s Wedding” (老鼠娶親)
Day 4 — 初四 (Dà nián chū sì)🧹
Welcoming the Kitchen God (迎灶神)
In traditional belief, the Kitchen God returns from heaven to report on household behavior. Families prepare offerings.
Eating Pineapple and Oranges
Pineapple (鳳梨) sounds like “prosperity comes” (旺來) in Taiwanese Hokkien. Oranges symbolize good luck.
Day 5 — 初五 (Dà nián chū wǔ)💰
Welcoming the God of Wealth (迎財神)
Businesses reopen around this time. Offerings may be made to attract prosperity.
Eating Dumplings
Dumplings resemble ancient Chinese gold ingots and symbolize wealth.
Day 9 — 初九 (Dà nián chū jiǔ)🌟
Day 9 is celebrated as the Birthday of the Jade Emperor (天公生), especially significant in southern Taiwan. Large temple ceremonies are held.
Day 15 — Lantern Festival (元宵節)
The fifteenth day marks the end of Lunar New Year.
Eating Tangyuan (湯圓)
Sweet rice balls symbolize family unity and completeness.
Lantern Viewing and Riddles
Lantern riddles (猜燈謎) are a traditional activity, documented since the Tang Dynasty.
Fun Quiz
Q：Why do Taiwanese eat vegetarian food on the first day?
Because of Buddhist and Taoist influences emphasizing purification and compassion.
Q：What is the difference between Taiwan and mainland China during Lunar New Year?
Taiwan maintains stronger folk-religion practices such as Kitchen God rituals and Jade Emperor celebrations.
Q：When is the Lantern Festival?
On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.
Understanding Lunar New Year traditions goes beyond celebration — it connects children to language, identity, and cultural heritage.
For overseas families who want their children to truly understand Taiwanese traditions in Mandarin, structured language learning makes a difference.
Tutor ChienMilesAway offers 1-on-1 Mandarin lessons rooted in authentic Taiwanese culture, helping students learn not just vocabulary, but cultural meaning.
Written by Teacher Chien Chien
Photos by Teacher Evelyn
