The red packets, firecrackers and lion dances are back! But with the exciting customs and joyful reunions comes a whole bunch of taboos that are said to drive away prosperity and good fortune.
According to Chinese beliefs, doing any of the following will lead to bad luck for the entire coming year, and could potentially ruin someone else’s holiday while triggering your elders, especially your grandparents. You have been warned!
1. Washing your hair
During the first two days of the Lunar New Year, you should not wash your hair as doing so is said to wash away your prosperity and wealth.
In Mandarin, hair (“fa”) has a similar pronunciation as wealth (“fa cai”). Thus, your hair is a symbol of opulence.
2. Cutting your hair
While you might understandably want to look your best on the first day of the New Year, getting a haircut is considered worse than washing it – it is said to be cutting your life short! So schedule your hair appointment a few days before.
3. Sweeping the floor
It is said to be unlucky to sweep the floor or throw away rubbish on the auspicious days of the New Year, as good luck and fortune could accidentally be swept and dumped out. Nobody wants that!
3A. Using the unlucky number
Why do the Chinese prefer to use “3A” instead of the number “4”? Well, it is believed to be inauspicious as the word for “four”, which is “si” in Mandarin, also means death.
5. Using sharp objects
Using sharp objects such as knives and needles are considered inauspicious, as these will cut good luck out of your life or lead to accidents.
Also, scissors are also deemed a symbol of conflict with others, or an omen of personal turmoil.
6. Eating porridge
While porridge or congee is known as a form of comfort food, it is also believed to be a sign of poverty. This is why families celebrate with huge meals and delicious spreads, made up of the best celebratory foods and treats Chinese culture has to offer.
7. Wearing black and white
These colours are traditionally associated with mourning, so it is best to wear “lucky colours” – especially red – to bring positive energy, and invite wealth and prosperity during CNY.
8. Having debts
If you have unsettled debts, be sure to pay them off before Chinese New Year’s Eve. Any later and it is believed you will continue to be in debt, making it hard for you to accumulate wealth throughout the coming year.
9. Letting babies cry
Nope, this isn’t a joke. It is said crying babies will bring misfortune to the family, so parents should do their best to keep their children happy.
Also, mums and dad are not allowed to punish their kids when they misbehave – a factoid that children would undoubtedly be very happy to learn.
10. Buying new shoes
The Cantonese word for “shoes”, which is “hai”, has a similar pronunciation to the word for “rough”. Hence, shoes are a symbol of roughness.
Furthermore, it sounds like you are sighing when you say “hai”, which could bring in bad fortune.
Whether or not you believe in any of these… why take any risks? Gong Xi Fa Cai!
This article first appeared in kaodim.com.
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