Everyday Life
What are New Year spring visits, and do only temple visits count?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
New Year spring visits include not only temple worship but also visiting relatives and friends to offer greetings. Calling on one another, exchanging greetings, and sharing blessings at the year's beginning are important intentions behind the custom.
I have introduced a folk explanation that 'spring' sounds like 'surplus' in Taiwanese, symbolizing abundant wealth and sustenance. Temple prayers and social visits both welcome the new year with blessings.
The first day of Lunar New Year is often a time for family and friends to gather. Busy lives make meetings difficult, and the occasion offers another chance to check in. Understanding this intention removes the need to imagine spring visits as completing a prescribed number of temples.