Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of joy, tradition, and celebration for millions around the world. As this significant holiday approaches, it’s important to be aware of the taboos and superstitions that are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture.
These customs are believed to ensure good luck, ward off bad fortune, and promote prosperity for the year ahead.
Here are 18 things you should avoid doing during this festive period:
1. Cleaning on New Year’s Day
Sweeping and cleaning on New Year’s Day is a big no-no in Chinese culture. The belief behind this taboo is that you might inadvertently sweep away good luck and fortune that has accumulated in your home. Instead, it’s advisable to perform your cleaning duties before the holiday arrives. This way, you can start the new year with a fresh and clean slate, both metaphorically and literally.
2. Debts and Borrowing
Financial matters carry great significance during Chinese New Year. Clearing your debts before the New Year is essential, as entering the year with unpaid debts is seen as a harbinger of financial problems. Moreover, it’s considered inauspicious to borrow money or ask to borrow anything during this time, as it may symbolize instability in your finances for the coming year. It’s best to ensure your financial house is in order before the celebrations begin.
3. Negative Words
Words have power, and during Chinese New Year, it’s crucial to be mindful of the words you use. Avoid using negative words and discussing unfortunate topics. Words related to death, illness, or other misfortunes should be kept out of conversations. The focus during this festive period is on positivity, good fortune, and happiness, so steer clear of anything that might bring negativity into your life.
4. Breaking Things
Accidentally breaking objects is a common superstition to avoid during Chinese New Year. It’s believed that breaking something can symbolize shattered relationships or loss of wealth. To prevent this, exercise caution and handle fragile items carefully during the holiday season. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to superstitions.
5. Crying Children
Crying children are thought to bring bad luck during Chinese New Year. Parents and caregivers go to great lengths to keep little ones happy and entertained during the festivities. There’s a belief that a crying child can attract negative energy and disrupt the harmonious atmosphere associated with the holiday, so soothing and comforting them promptly is a priority.
6. Borrowing or Lending Money
Lending money during the New Year period is considered inauspicious, as it’s believed to result in financial loss. If someone owes you money, it’s better to postpone discussions about repayment until after the holiday. Similarly, borrowing money during this time is discouraged, as it’s thought to carry the potential for financial difficulties in the future.
7. Haircuts
Getting a haircut during the first lunar month, which includes Chinese New Year, is traditionally avoided. The word for “hair” in Chinese sounds similar to the word for “wealth,” so cutting your hair at this time is seen as cutting your wealth and good fortune. It’s best to plan your haircut either before or after the New Year celebrations.
8. Loaning Books
Loaning out books is another action to steer clear of during Chinese New Year. The word for “book” in Chinese sounds like the word for “lose,” so lending a book may symbolize losing knowledge or opportunities in the coming year. It’s advisable to postpone any book exchanges until after the holiday period.
9. Damaging Clothes or Accessories
Accidentally damaging your clothing or accessories, such as jewelry, is seen as an ill omen during Chinese New Year. This superstition suggests that such mishaps can lead to financial losses or personal misfortune. To avoid this, handle your attire and accessories with care, especially when getting dressed for the festivities.
10. Medicine and Hospitals
Illness and injury are best avoided during Chinese New Year, as they are associated with negative energy. Going to the hospital, getting medical treatment, or taking medication during this time may be seen as a harbinger of poor health in the coming year. It’s advisable to prioritize your health and well-being before the holiday season begins.
11. Refraining from Arguing and Cursing
Maintaining a harmonious atmosphere is essential during Chinese New Year. Arguments, conflicts, and cursing are believed to bring bad luck and negativity. It’s best to practice patience and diplomacy, resolving disputes amicably to ensure a peaceful start to the new year.
12. Avoiding Sweeping Outwards
If you do decide to clean your home before Chinese New Year, make sure you sweep inward toward the center of the house. Sweeping outward is believed to usher good fortune and prosperity out of your home. Sweeping inward is thought to collect and retain the good energy within your living space.
13. Avoiding Sharp Objects
Handling sharp objects like knives, scissors, or needles during Chinese New Year is considered unlucky. It’s believed that using these tools can sever good luck and positive energy. If possible, postpone activities that involve sharp objects until after the holiday period.
14. Avoiding Financial Transactions
Engaging in financial transactions, such as lending, borrowing, or making significant purchases, should be avoided during Chinese New Year. It’s believed that these actions can influence your financial situation for the year, so it’s best to delay such decisions until after the holiday when the atmosphere is more auspicious.
15. Restricting Water Usage
Using water excessively or wasting it during Chinese New Year is discouraged, as water symbolizes wealth in Chinese culture. It’s believed that excessive use of water can wash away your financial prosperity. Be mindful of your water consumption and use it wisely during the holiday season.
16. No Hairwashing on the First Day
Washing your hair on the first day of the lunar new year is believed to wash away the good fortune that has accumulated on your head. It’s thought to be particularly important for women to avoid hairwashing on this day, as hair is associated with beauty and luck.
17. Avoiding Unlucky Numbers
The number four is considered extremely unlucky in Chinese culture because it sounds like the word for “death.” Similarly, numbers associated with death or misfortune, such as 43 or 14, should be avoided at all costs. Opt for numbers that are considered lucky, such as eight, which sounds like the word for “wealth.”
18. Steering Clear of Sharp Tongues
During Chinese New Year, it’s best to avoid sharp or critical remarks. Words that hurt or offend others can lead to strained relationships, and it’s believed that the energy you carry into the new year is reflected in your words. Instead, use language that is kind, positive, and uplifting to ensure a harmonious and auspicious start to the year.
In Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time of rich traditions, symbolism, and superstitions. By being aware of these taboos and avoiding them, you can join in the festivities with respect for the cultural significance they hold. These customs are not just about superstition; they are a way of preserving Chinese heritage and fostering positive energy for the year ahead. Embracing these traditions can add a deeper layer of meaning to your celebration and ensure a prosperous and harmonious start to the new year.
Culture to Know 