Today is what Chinese call "little new year," which falls on the 23rd day of the last lunar month in North China or the 24th day in South China, about a week prior to the Spring Festival.

On this day, it is a custom for Chinese people to honor the kitchen god and sweep the dust away. They bid farewell to old bad luck and welcome a prosperous new year. As the Year of the Tiger approaches, families across China prepare for Spring Festival celebrations.