Why China ancient custom requires children to ‘sell ignorance’ on Lunar New Year’s Eve

During the North Song dynasty (960-1127) in China, a Lunar New Year's Eve custom called "selling ignorance" (mai meng dong or mai chi dai) emerged. Children would run through the streets after dinner in the capital city of Bianjin (modern-day Kaifeng) and other central and southern regions, shouting "selling ignorance." This playful ritual was intended to symbolically shed foolishness and gain intelligence in the coming year. If someone responded to their calls, the children would joyfully proclaim they had sold their ignorance to that person. The tradition, documented by scholars, remained popular for centuries as a children's game during the New Year festivities.

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