On the third day of the first lunar month, according to ancient customs, this day is known as "Xiao Nian Chao" (Little New Year's Day), and it comes with many taboos, such as not visiting others for New Year's greetings and going to bed early. In this regard, Wang Sichao, a researcher at the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated that people today need not concern themselves with the superstitious beliefs of the ancients, but after several days of revelry, the public should pay attention to rest.
Wang Sichao explained that in the first year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty, it was said that a heavenly book had descended to the mortal world. The emperor issued an edict declaring the third day of the first lunar month as the "Tianqing Festival" (Heavenly Celebration Festival), granting officials a five-day holiday. This is recorded in the "History of Song": "In the first year of Dazhong Xiangfu, an edict declared the third day of the first lunar month, the day the heavenly book descended, as the Tianqing Festival, with a five-day holiday. In the two capitals and all circuits, prefectures, prefectural cities, military prefectures, and subordinate prefectures, Daoist altars were to be established and rituals held for seven days prior, with the slaughter of animals forbidden..."
Later, the third day of the first lunar month came to be called "Xiao Nian Chao." According to "Qing Jia Lu · Xiao Nian Chao" by Gu Lu of the Qing Dynasty: "The third day of the first lunar month is Xiao Nian Chao. One should not sweep the floor, ask for fire, or draw water, which is the same as on 'Sui Chao' (the first day of the year)." Wang Sichao explained that "Sui Chao" refers to the first day of the lunar new year, meaning the third day is a "little" first day. Following the ancient philosophy of "One begets Two, Two begets Three, Three begets all things," they attached great importance to the third day, calling it "Xiao Nian Chao."
Wang Sichao mentioned that in some places, the third day of the first lunar month is also called "Chi Gou Ri" (Red Dog Day). It was believed that one should not go out to visit others on this day, but should instead stay at home to worship deities, gods, and ancestors. It is said that "Chi Gou" refers to the "God of Flames." Encountering it while going out would inevitably lead to misfortune, and visiting friends might lead to disputes. Therefore, it was best to stay at home and rest well.
Another legend claims that the third day of the first lunar month is the day when mice get married. Therefore, one should extinguish the lights and go to bed early. This way, the mice, unable to "get married" in the dark, would not give birth to numerous "mouse children and grandchildren" to steal the grain.
Wang Sichao stated that the ancient beliefs are clearly marked by the era in which they originated. Limited by the scientific level of the time, many of these ideas were superstitious. Of course, after the celebrations from New Year's Eve to the second day of the lunar new year, the public should ensure they get enough rest. Whether going out or not, one must guarantee sufficient sleep to recharge their energy for the start of the new year.