People used to have a fear about this 3rd day of Chinese New Year, because in the tradition it is a taboo to even go out during this day, people say that it will bring bad luck or fights and such. The day is called “red mouth” 赤口 or some calls it “red dog” 赤狗 (like a mad dog). However, what is the real problem with day 3 of CNY? Why people fear this and have to “avoid” opening the mouth (talking)? There is actually some wisdom behind in Taoism’s theory.
Energy is Coming Down From Preheaven
In Taoism’s theory, the energy flow of the 3 day in new year is when the preheaven energy is just flowing down. During this time, it is like a balloon getting inflated, so you want to not have holes in the balloon and “leak” the energy out while it is being filled.
The day being called “red mouth” 赤口 is like the mouth is “opened” and “naked”, like when you open the mouth. It’s describing the energy is like the air pump meets the balloon and air start flowing in. You should actually not fear this day but LOVE it, because it means preheaven is feeding you good energy.
If you go out and interact with people, talking and socializing, you are “spending” and “venting” the energy out to this world, which means the balloon is leaking and cannot contain the good energy coming down to you. That’s why avoid talking to people or opening the “mouth” so much.
What to Do?
To make use of the “red mouth” day, you should use the day to connect to preheaven, to ask gods for help, do prayers, and so on. This is a great day to connect to preheaven – which is to worship and pray.
In many places, like Hong Kong and other parts of Asia, they actually use the day to go to temple or even go to their ancestor’s altar and start doing some clean up and praying!
For Taoist, it’s another ordinary day, but make sure you don’t forget it is also our Sun Lung Jo Si anniversary, so make sure you have submitted your BIU MUNNand did your offerings! Great day to learn more things, practice the FU HEADs and so on! No fear the red mouth, it’s not going to bring you bad luck at all!
