在中国传统文化中，“接喜神”是一种民间习俗，主要在春节期间进行，寓意迎接吉祥、好运和福气，祈求新的一年平安顺遂、喜事连连。以下是接喜神的主要缘由和意义：
 
1. 传统信仰中的“喜神”
 
喜神是中国民间信仰中象征喜庆、吉祥的神明（也有说法认为喜神是“吉神”或“福神”的化身）。古人认为，春节期间迎接喜神能带来一年的好运气，尤其对家庭和睦、事业顺利、婚姻美满等有积极影响。
喜神的方向每年根据干支历法变化（俗称“喜神方”），人们会通过黄历查询方位，在特定时辰祭拜或朝拜。
 
2. 民俗中的美好寓意
 
驱邪纳福：接喜神与贴春联、放鞭炮等习俗类似，希望通过仪式驱散晦气，迎来喜气。
新年开运：民间认为年初的言行会影响整年运势，接喜神是为新年“讨个好彩头”。
 
3. 现代意义的延续
如今，“接喜神”更多成为一种文化象征，体现人们对美好生活的向往。即便不严格遵循古礼，许多人仍会在春节时通过祝福语、红包、装饰等方式传递“喜气”。
 
接喜神是中国人通过民俗活动表达乐观精神的一种方式，核心在于“心怀希望，积极开启新的一年”。
 
In traditional Chinese culture, "welcoming the God of Joy (接喜神, Jiē Xǐshén)" is a folk custom practiced during the Lunar New Year. It symbolizes inviting good fortune, happiness, and blessings while praying for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.
 
Below are the main reasons and meanings behind this tradition:
 
1. The God of Joy in Traditional Beliefs
 
The God of Joy (喜神, Xǐshén) is a deity in Chinese folk religion who represents happiness, auspiciousness, and good luck. Ancient Chinese believed that welcoming the God of Joy during the New Year would bring good fortune, especially in areas like family harmony, career success, and marital bliss.
The direction of the God of Joy changes yearly based on the Chinese lunar calendar (known as the "Auspicious Joy Direction" 喜神方). People consult almanacs to determine the correct orientation and perform rituals at an auspicious time.
 
2. Symbolism in Folk Customs
 
Warding Off Misfortune & Inviting Blessings: Similar to pasting Spring Festival couplets or setting off firecrackers, welcoming the God of Joy is believed to dispel bad luck and attract happiness.
Family Unity: The ritual is often a family activity, reinforcing bonds and expressing shared hopes for the future.
Starting the New Year Right: It is believed that actions at the beginning of the year influence one’s fortune, so welcoming the God of Joy sets a positive tone for the year.
 
3. Modern Significance
Today, "welcoming the God of Joy" remains more of a cultural symbol, reflecting people’s aspirations for a happy life. Even if not strictly following ancient rituals, many still express "joyful blessings" through greetings, red envelopes (红包), and festive decorations.
 
In essence, welcoming the God of Joy is a way for Chinese people to express optimism through folk traditions, embodying the spirit of "embracing hope and positively welcoming the new year."