As Asians, it is customary to be superstitious about everything, and Chinese New Year is no different. You’ll be surprised by the number of Chinese New Year superstitions we have!
While logic rules, and not all of these customs are practised today, it still is a fascinating list, this! 🙂
Yup, Chinese New Year (CNY) is about colour and all things bright (and red!). Wearing black and white is traditionally associated with mourning, so avoid wearing them, especially on the first day of CNY.
Finish up all your cleaning before CNY. For sweeping and taking out the trash on New Year’s Day symbolises sweeping away your fortunes. Gulp.
On the bright side, less housework during CNY holidays? 😉
“Head” is associated with “beginning” in Chinese. So you are advised not to wash/cut your hair on the first 2 days of the New Year, if you want a good start.
Yup, all that good fortune and prosperity need to find their way in, so leave all the gateways open please. 🙂
This also symbolises getting rid of the old and making way for the new.
The third day of CNY is considered ominous.
People usually don’t go out for visiting, because this day is believed to be “Chi Kou Ri” (the day of red mouth). Also known as “Chi Gou Ri” (the day of the Red Dog).
According to Chinese culture, “red mouth” is easy to cause quarrels and fights.
Also, the Red Dog is the God of Blazing Wrath. Bad things will happen if people run into the Red Dog.
So stay indoors, yeah?
It is actually considered inauspicious to wash clothes on Day 1 & 2 of CNY because those days are the Water God’s (Shuishen) birthday. And you don’t want to offend the Gods.
Yes, that’s right, think before you cry, and try not to make the kids cry as well on the first day of Chinese New Year. 🙂
Crying apparently brings bad luck.
Did you know that different snacks and foods symbolise different blessings? Check out this list!
Also note:
Nine oranges placed either in the kitchen or in the living room is said to bring good luck and prosperity.
It is also said to scare the ghosts away. 🙂
When giving out ‘ang bao’ remember to stick to even numbers. Even better if the number starts or ends with 8 – it apparently boosts your luck! 🙂
Avoid eating porridge on the morning of CNY. Why? Porridge is for the poor.
And you don’t want to start the year on a poor note. 🙂
Decorate your home with mystic knots, preferably the ones with gold coins. The mystic knot, also known as the endless knot, symbolises a long and happy life full of good fortune.
Also READ: The outsider’s guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore
Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore
Posted in Festivities