Farmer's Day in Taiwan

Farmer's Day in Taiwan, known as "Xiaonian" (小年), is celebrated on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. Traditionally, it was a day to honor the agricultural deity known as Zao Jun or the Kitchen God, who is said to report to the Jade Emperor in heaven about the family's affairs.

History: The origins of Farmer's Day can be traced back to agricultural practices in ancient China. As Taiwan has a strong cultural and historical connection with mainland China, many of its traditions, including Farmer's Day, were brought over by Chinese immigrants.

Traditions: On this day, farmers would typically take a break from their work to clean their tools and offer sacrifices to gods and ancestors as a way of showing gratitude for past harvests and praying for a bountiful year ahead. Families would also clean their homes and make offerings to Zao Jun by burning a paper effigy of him along with sacrificial food items such as sweet sticky rice balls. This ritual was believed to seal his lips so that he would only report good things about the family.

Modern Celebrations: In contemporary times, while some traditional practices have waned, Farmer's Day remains an occasion for people in Taiwan to express appreciation for farmers' hard work. Agricultural exhibitions, educational events promoting awareness of farming techniques and sustainability, and local markets showcasing produce are common ways communities celebrate Farmer's Day now. It also serves as an opportunity for people to reconnect with rural life and understand the importance of agriculture in Taiwan’s history and economy.