Second day of Lunar New Year

The second day of the Lunar New Year, known as 'Chu Yi' or 'Kai Nian' in Cantonese, holds deep cultural significance in Hong Kong as the day when married daughters traditionally return to their parents' home (hui niang jia). This practice, rooted in Confucian filial piety, symbolizes the enduring bond between a woman and her birth family even after marriage. In 2026, falling on February 19, this day continues to be a cherished occasion for family reunions and honoring ancestors. Historically, the second day also marks the beginning of visiting friends and relatives (bai nian), a custom that spreads good fortune and strengthens community ties. Hong Kong’s unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern urban life has preserved these rituals while adapting them to contemporary settings, such as crowded housing estates and bustling streets.

On the second day of Lunar New Year in Hong Kong, families engage in visiting relatives, exchanging lai see (red envelopes containing money), and enjoying festive meals. A key tradition is the 'return home' visit by married daughters, who bring gifts like Chinese cakes, fruits, and sometimes roast pork to their parents. Households often prepare auspicious foods such as fa gao (prosperity cake) and sweet rice balls (tong yuen) to symbolize unity and sweetness. Lion and dragon dances are common in neighborhoods and shopping malls, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums and cymbals. The standard greeting for the day is 'Sun tai gin hong' (身体健好, good health) or 'Gong hei fat choy' (恭喜发财, wishing you prosperity), reflecting the day’s focus on family well-being and material fortune. In 2026, many will also participate in temple visits to pray for success in the coming year.