Growing up in a traditional Chinese family, the Lunar New Year is the most important festival of the year.
From spring cleaning, new year shopping, reunion dinner and giving red packets(Ang Pow) etc...These customs are passed down from generation to generation.
During the 15-days of celebration, there are many taboos and superstitions that many Chinese households still practice these beliefs every Spring festival. The ultimate goal is to welcome abundance of blessings, good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.Personally, I don't follow everything strictly, but I respect traditions and I believe we should preserve cultural heritage. If it doesn't harm, I'd rather be safe than sorry! 😘
We have heard many traditional customs and beliefs from our parents and grandparents...
Here are the important DO's and DON'Ts during Chinese New Year :
❎ The DON'Ts :
No Housekeeping.
Do not sweep/mop the floor or wash the clothes on the first day of Lunar New Year, it is believed that this will bring bad luck, sweeping away the wealth and fortune from the family.
Avoid Black and White.
It is inauspicious to wear black and white on the first day of Chinese New Year. The colors are often associated with sad and unhappy events, so it's best to avoid them. (Ah gong and Ah ma won't like it!)
The Chinese believe red brings good luck, joy and success! Hence, red is the most preferred color during this festive, but if you don't like wearing red, any bright and colorful outfits are safe.
No Crying Please...
This is the biggest taboo during Chinese New Year. Crying is forbidden! It brings sadness, problems and bad luck to the family. Avoid at all cost!No Hospital/Doctor Visits.
If it is not an emergency, avoid going to the hospital or see a doctor during this period, as this could invite illnesses and cause poor health.
Don't Break Anything.
It is unfortunate to break anything on the first day of new year. Broken pieces is a bad omen, so be extra careful. If something breaks, saying good auspicious words out loud may prevent misfortunes and bad luck.
No Fighting.
Avoid disputes, arguments, gossips and foul language during this happy occasion. Watch your tongue and keep your cool! Give praises, speak kindly and use positive words to attract peace and harmony.
✅ The DO's :
Decorate The House.
Remember the ancient legend of 'Nian'? The Chinese welcome the new year by decorating their house with red lucky spring couplets, as many believe this will bring good fortune, blessings and ward off evil.
New Clothing.
It it recommended to wear new clothes and new shoes on the first day of Chinese New Year as it symbolizes a fresh start and a new beginning.
Pray / Go Temple.
Many Chinese families would visit the temple to pray and make offerings to the heavenly deities and to ancestors for a new year of blessings to the family.
Chinese New Year is a time to feast and enjoy family bonding. Eating together enhance unity and family harmony. A family who eats together, stays together! 👨👩👧👦
Clear Your Debts.
All outstanding payments and bills should be cleared before the 1st day of Chinese New Year. This is to avoid bringing old debts into the new year or you'll be slogging another year to pay off more debts.
Stay Up Late.
According to tradition, staying up late on the Eve of Chinese New Year is said to bring longevity for our parents, the later you stay, they longer they live. It is a good virtue of filial piety.
Visit Relatives and Friends.
It's a good time to catch up with family and friends during the long holidays. Don't forget to exchange the mandarin oranges for each house visits (for good luck) and make sure you do not exceed 8 visitors per household.
This Chinese New Year is a little different since there are more safety measures and restrictions to fight the pandemic. Though it does affect the festive mood and cause some inconvenience but it should not stop us from enjoying good times with family/friends and celebrating this joyful festival like we always do!
Today is Li Chun.(立春 - 03 Feb 2021) It is the beginning of Spring in the Chinese calendar. 2021 is the year of the Ox and I hope it will be a fruitful year for all! May we remind ourselves to be strong and hardworking like the Ox, in achieving our goals and dreams! Happy Lunar NIU Year in advance and have a fabulous CNY celebration! Here's wishing everyone a prosperous and a 'HUAT' 2021! Cheers! 🐄🧧
What are some interesting CNY taboos and superstitions you know? Share with me and comment below.🙂
