zhēng yuè正月chū wǔ初五：yíng迎cái shén财神yǔ与“pò wǔ破五”de的hǎo rì zi好日子
February 21, 2026, is the fifth day of the first lunar month.
In traditional Chinese culture, this day is commonly called "Breaking the Fifth," and it is a very important day.
It marks the official end of many taboos during the Spring Festival, and people's lives begin to return to normal.
"Breaking the Fifth" means "breaking the taboos."
From the first to the fourth day of the lunar new year, there are many customs, such as not cooking raw rice, not using needles and thread, and not breaking objects.
People worry that these actions might disturb good fortune.
But on the fifth day, these taboos disappear, and everyone can resume their daily routines and household chores, and everything becomes orderly again.
Therefore, the fifth day also symbolizes a new beginning.
The most important activity on this day is "welcoming the God of Wealth."
It is traditionally believed that the fifth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of the God of Wealth, which relates to the financial luck for the whole year.
To attract good luck in competition, many families and shops open their doors and windows from midnight, burn incense, and set off firecrackers to warmly welcome the God of Wealth.
People also prepare offerings like a sheep's head and carp fish, symbolizing "good fortune" and "surplus every year."
Many stores also choose this day to officially open for business, hoping for prosperous trade in the new year.
Regarding food, the most common custom on the fifth day is eating dumplings.
When making dumplings, people pinch the edges tightly one by one with their fingers, which is called "pinching the little man's mouth."
It is said that doing this can avoid gossip and make life smoother.
Some families even put coins or candied dates inside the dumplings, symbolizing abundant wealth and early good luck in the new year.
The fifth day of the first lunar month is not only a day to pray for wealth but also a time to "break the old and establish the new."
By reflecting on our bad habits, we can shape a better self.
On this lively day, people greet each other with "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (wishing prosperity), full of energy and hope, starting the new year's efforts.