Chinese people are customary to superstition and just as Chinese New Year is just around the corner, here are 8 superstitions you may want to get yourself familiar with.
1) No Cleaning During Chinese New Year
Cleaning is thought to sweep away good fortune. Taking out the trash also represents expelling good fortune from the home. So, there you have it, a wonderful reason to avoid doing housework.
2) Don’t Make Porridge
This is probably new to a lot of people but did you know you shouldn’t make porridge? Porridge should not be consumed since it is thought that only the impoverished eat porridge for breakfast. No one wants to start the year “poor,” and thus was considered a negative omen.
3) Do Not Wear Black / White
Mourning is frequently connected with black or white clothing. Instead, opt for vibrant colours especially the colour red! It is thought to be the colour of good fortune and luck. For those who are more superstitious and want to “HUAT” via all the gambling that is done during the Lunar New Year, red underwear is definitely the way to go.
4) No Packing Of Odd Amounts In Ang Baos
It is advised not to give an odd amount of money in red packets to Chinese people during the Lunar New Year. Chinese people generally like even numbers, with the traditional belief that good things always come in doubles. The only even numbers one should not give are numbers that end with 4 as it sounds like death in the Chinese Language.
5) No Washing Of Clothes
Although we know and are told that one should not clean on the first and second days of the Lunar New Year but do you know why? The first and second days of the new year, is actually the Water God’s birthday which is celebrated on these two days. Based on traditional beliefs, washing garments is considered a form of desecration to the God of Water. More reasons for us to not tidy up even after being nagged at by our parents then!
6) Avoid Breaking Glassware
Yes, we understand that accidents do happen but there are steps to ward off bad luck that may be accumulated during Chinese New Year. Breaking a bowl, plate, glass, vase, or mirror during the festive season might result in financial loss and family discord in the future. If you accidentally break one, collect the fragments and wrap them in red paper or fabric, then throw them away on the fifth day of the New Year.
7) Avoid Taking Medicine
Did you know that it is a taboo for a person to take medicine on the first day of the lunar year? It is believed that if you do take medicine, he or she will be ill easily for the entire year. People who are unwell or are undergoing treatment should still take their medicine as per their doctor’s instructions though!
For those who are sickly, there is a custom where the sick person is asked to break their ceramic medicine pot at midnight on the first day of the Lunar New Year as it is believed that it will help drive the illness away in the new year.
8) Try Not To Use Sharp Objects
It’s often thought that the blades of scissors resembles sharp lips. Using scissors on the first day of Chinese New Year is thought to be an invocation for future conflicts with others. Knives should be avoided at all costs, as any mishap, whether involving a person or a tool, is supposed to bring bad luck and money depletion in the coming year.
Superstitions are what you make of them at the end of the day. Some people are more sensitive to such taboos than others while some dismiss it as an old wives’ tales. If you have to clean up a mess at home, your Chinese New Year will not be ruined. Remember to enjoy your time with friends and family and stay safe!
This article was brought to you by Han. I pretend to be broke in order to stay wealthy, yet I’m not wealthy.
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