Which day of Chinese New Year is known as Chikou, or 'red mouth'?

The third day of Chinese New Year is known as Chikou, meaning “red mouth.”

Chikou is also called Chigou’s Day. In traditional belief, Chigou is an epithet of the God of Blazing Wrath, and the day was associated with quarrels, arguments, and unlucky encounters. For that reason, some people traditionally avoided visiting friends, receiving guests, or travelling widely on the third day.

Customs vary considerably by region and family. In parts of rural Hong Kong during the 20th century, the day was remembered as a day of the Poor Devil, with people encouraged to stay home. Other communities treated the day as suitable for temple visits, including visits to temples connected with the God of Wealth.

The third day should not be confused with the fifth day, known as Powu in some traditions and associated with the God of Wealth. Nor is Chikou a universal public-holiday label: New Year customs differ across China and overseas Chinese communities.