31) The 9th Day of Lunar New Year
The number 9th day of Lunar New Year is a day where we offer our thanks to God of Heaven. It’s a big event to some Chinese. But I set up some simple offerings for my thanks giving. Some cookies, cakes, fruits and paper gold for prayers (not too good for the ozone layer though) and also a pair of sugar cane.
Ever wonder why is sugar cane significant to this big event of the Lunar Calendar?
Some legend began way back to the old era in China, in the province of Fujian (Hokkien). The story has it that villages in Fujian tried to escape from the killings and rummage of robbers on the 9th day of Chinese New Year by hiding themselves in the sugar cane plantation. Their lives were saved. Thus, from then, villagers offer a pair of sugar cane on this 9th day of Lunar New Year to thank the Heavenly God for the good blessings, protection from natural disasters and a year of good harvest in return.
Besides, ‘sugar cane’ in Hokkien pronounciation coincidently sounds like ‘thankful’ in meaning. That’s how the fable arises.
I gift-wrapped my pair of sugar cane in red-paper, hug him with good luck while I offer it to the Heavenly God, and wishing that he hugged me in return.
AddGrainOnEarth 
February 19, 2013 at 4:25 am
You are correct with the words, “It’s a big event to some Chinese”. On the 9th day of this holiday, at midnight, we bolted straight out of bed. We weren’t sure what was happening until we were somewhat awake. The fireworks started right at midnight and went on for quite some time into the morning. It was the loudest, most brilliant lighting I’ve ever seen. Not much sleep on this morning in our household, but it was nice to have been able to witness such a celebration.
Maria
February 19, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Maria, thanks for sharing your side of celebration! Cheers!:)
February 19, 2013 at 7:02 am
What a great post!
February 19, 2013 at 3:11 pm
Thanks! You really look alike! 🙂
February 19, 2013 at 9:00 am
Please forgive me for not coming over sooner to wish you a “Happy Lunar New Year”. As always your blog site is very informative. I enjoy coming over to learn information about so many Great Facts. Have a Great Week Ahead.
February 19, 2013 at 3:13 pm
Don’t have to say sorry! Your thought is always count!
I wish you Happy and Healthy in 2013!
Have a great day! Cheers! 🙂
February 19, 2013 at 9:48 pm
This is charming, Sydney. Thank you for sharing.
Happy Lunar New Year and many blessings to you.
In metta,
Jamie
February 19, 2013 at 10:29 pm
Sydney wish you Happy, Beauty and Prosperity!
Gong Xi Fa Choi! 🙂
February 19, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Thank you, Sydney! 🙂
February 19, 2013 at 11:38 pm
🙂
February 19, 2013 at 10:42 pm
So inspiring…Looks delicious in every way!
Greeting,
George.
February 19, 2013 at 11:38 pm
Thanks, George! 🙂
February 19, 2013 at 11:50 pm
Thank you Sydney!
February 20, 2013 at 4:45 am
What a lovely tradition in giving thanks. You have beautiful traditions.
February 20, 2013 at 2:31 pm
Thanks for reading, Patty!
I’m sure your tradition is beautiful too! 🙂
February 20, 2013 at 10:18 am
What a beautiful tradition! I love reading your blog, so inspiring!
February 20, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Thanks for your compliments! You are great too!
I wanted to apologize to you is that; I got not so much time on viewing every individual Blog, so the like is to balance the guilt margin!
Hope for your understanding!
Have a nice day and wish you be well and happy forever! 🙂
February 20, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Hey! I just learned something new about Chinese New Year. Thank you.
February 20, 2013 at 10:10 pm
We learn from each other! 🙂
February 20, 2013 at 10:13 pm
Thanks for the information Sydney… I didn’t know that before! 😀
February 20, 2013 at 10:16 pm
You are welcome! 🙂
February 22, 2013 at 6:30 am
I love your blog. I always feel like I’m right there with you, experiencing your journey!
February 22, 2013 at 9:44 am
Thanks for your compliments!
Sydney is still on learning journey, let’s learn from each other! 🙂