"Little Nian" has different concepts and dates in different places. In the north, it is the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, and in most parts of the south, it is the 24th of the twelfth lunar month. In Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, "the twenty-fourth of the twelfth lunar month" and "New Year's Eve" are "The night before" is called Xiaonian. In Nanjing, the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month is called Xiaonian. In some areas of Yunnan, the date of Xiaonian is the 16th day of the first lunar month. In some areas in the southwest and north, the date of Xiaonian is New Year's Eve.
The Little New Year is usually regarded as the beginning of the busy year, which means that people begin to prepare New Year's goods, sweep the dust, offer sacrifices to stoves, etc., and prepare to have a clean and happy New Year. Good wishes for good fortune. Due to different customs in different places, it is called "Little New Year".
The main folk activities during the Little New Year period include sweeping dust, offering sacrifices to stoves, etc. Traditionally, the Small New Year (the day for sweeping dust and offering sacrifices to kitchen stoves) falls on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month. In most parts of the south, the ancient tradition of celebrating the Small New Year on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month is still maintained.