Traditional culture in plain words
Renri (人日), Human Day
The seventh day of the first lunar month is Renri, Human Day — the day tradition calls everyone's birthday. Chinese communities around the world greet one another on this day. It falls on 23 February in 2026, 12 February in 2027 and 1 February in 2028.
At a glance
How the festivals began
Legend says Nüwa (女媧), the creation goddess of Chinese myth, made a different creature each day for six days — the chicken, dog, pig, sheep, ox and horse — and made people on the seventh day. So the seventh day of the New Year is called Human Day, the birthday shared by all.
Old records say a clear sky on Human Day was read as a good sign: a year of peace for the people, with timely and gentle weather. A bright day is still welcomed as a lucky sign.
Traditional customs
Many families mark the day with special dishes. A soup or congee of seven fresh greens (七菜羹) is served for peace in the new year. In southern China and Hong Kong, many also enjoy 'top of the list' congee, a Guangdong porridge whose name once wished scholars success in the old exams. In Singapore and Malaysia, families and friends toss yusheng, a colourful raw-fish salad, lifting it high — the higher, the better — as a wish to rise step by step. However the table is set, the family gathers once more; everyone is a birthday person, and all wish one another well.
Festival dates are converted from the lunar calendar and are for reference only. Customs vary a little from place to place. For temple and community events, please follow the organisers' announcements.