[Photo/Xinhua]

The eighth day is believed to be the birthday of millet, an important crop in ancient China.

According to folk proverbs, if this day is bright and clear the year will be a harvest year; however, if this day is cloudy or even rainy, the year will suffer from poor harvest.

Meanwhile, people also set free captive animals on this day, with a blessing for all living beings to flourish in the New Year.