The Day of the Celebration of Heaven in China

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You have probably guessed that this article is devoted to the Chinese holiday Tien Kuan Jie, the so-called Day of Celebration of Heaven. Just note that this holiday has particular cultural, historical, and symbolic significance for the inhabitants of China.

Tien Kuan Jie takes us to the age of Zhou, where the cult of Heaven gained the highest value. Only the supreme leader of China, named by the sacred title “Son of Heaven”, had the right to lead this cult. And this is how China gained its second eloquent name, “Celestial”. In 2016, the Chinese spent the Day of Celebration of Heaven on July 9. However, Tien Kuan Jie has no permanent date in the traditional calendar. The Chinese lunar calendar determines it by the sixth day of the sixth lunar month.

By the way, the number “6” is the central number in the Chinese numerological square, represents the accumulation of human physical achievements, and determines the degree of efficiency and quality of human labor. According to the same theory, the number “6” is ruled by Saturn and strongly correlates with the element of Earth.

The day of Heaven

The feast celebrations are no less attractive. According to ancient customs, the Day of Celebration of Heaven should be spent in the family circle. All family members gather for a ritual dinner. People fume their houses with incense, burn paper, and prepare unique festive dishes. During the Day of Celebration of Heaven, all prayers are directed to the main Chinese god – Heaven.

Tian-Kuan Jie has a second, more practical significance, just like other important celebrations in China. It is deeply rooted in historical meaning and has an ancient pagan origin. This day is still considered the most suitable to ask Heaven about protecting gardens and fields from insect pests. However, to increase the population of such beneficial worms as silkworms.
Additionally, in prayers, people fumigate their houses carefully to expel pests. One more important rite is purification. Inhabitants wash themselves and bathe their pets thoroughly in the waters.

Learning about ancient Chinese beliefs and traditions, we increasingly discover the secrets of the formation of this beautiful nation. We get a unique opportunity to feel the magic cause-and-effect connection between the cultural past and present of great China. Nobody can remain indifferent to these discoveries. After all, while opening the curtain, we perceive great pleasure in learning the laws of nature and the people’s spiritual mentality.