Our Privacy Statement & Cookie Policy

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

Sweep the dust to welcome the New Year

CGTN

A cartoon shows the custom of sweeping the dust in the month of Layue. /CGTN
A cartoon shows the custom of sweeping the dust in the month of Layue. /CGTN

A cartoon shows the custom of sweeping the dust in the month of Layue. /CGTN

Layue, the twelfth month of the traditional Chinese calendar, began on December 31. It is also known for its numerous traditional customs, making it one of the most culturally rich months of the year. Among these customs is "sweeping the dust,” the Chinese tradition of cleaning the house on Little New Year.

In Chinese, the word for "dust" sounds similar to the word for "the old." On this day, thoroughly cleaning the house is believed to sweep away poverty and misfortune from the past year, making way for a prosperous new year.

Search Trends