What is the origin and implication of the custom of paying New Year greetings during the Spring Festival?

The origin and meaning of the custom of New Year greetings are as follows:

1, customs of origin

Regarding the origin of the custom of paying New Year greetings, it is said that there was a monster in ancient times with a unicorn on its head and a mouth like a blood basin. People call it "Year". On the thirtieth night of the twelfth lunar month, it jumped out of the mountain and preyed on people. People have to prepare some meat and put it outside the door, then close the door and hide at home. It was not until the first morning that Nian had eaten enough and left that people opened the door to congratulate each other on not being eaten by Nian. So the wind of New Year's greetings spread.

2. Meaning

New Year greeting is a traditional folk custom in China, and it is a way for people to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, and express their best wishes to each other. It means a harmonious and beautiful New Year, happiness and good health for the whole family.

Common New Year greetings during the Spring Festival

First, bow down, that is, bow down and kowtow. Nowadays, in some rural areas, it is still possible for younger generations to pay New Year greetings to their elders, especially minors.

Second, bow down, bow down. Bowing posture is to raise fist with both hands first. These fuels must not be misplaced. Male or left, that is, the male's left hand holds the right hand. This is called "Bai Ji", on the contrary, it is "fierce worship". On New Year's Day, holding the left hand with the right hand will bring bad luck. Salute, regardless of seniority, holding Qi Mei, up and down a few times, a heavy gift can bow before you bow. This kind of etiquette is generally that the younger generation greets the elders, or that the younger generation greets the superiors.

3. Boxing, which is a unique traditional etiquette of the Chinese nation. Hold your fist in your hand, hold your right hand in your left hand, naturally hold it tightly, and naturally shake it slightly on your chest, not too hard or too high. This kind of etiquette is more common in New Year greetings among peers.

Four, Wanfu, a kind of ancient women's etiquette, held her left hand with her right hand, half clenched her fist, and stuck it on the right side of her waist and ribs, shaking slightly up and down, kneeling slightly, and sometimes saying Wanfu while saluting. It is rarely used now.

Bowing, a common etiquette in modern times, is used to pay New Year greetings, mostly for the younger generation to the elders, the lower generation to the superiors, and also for the peers, both men and women.