Crashing the Lion Dance: 10 Things You Can't Do on Chinese New Year
Hello, guys! Welcome back to our blog, where we're all about celebrating cultures and traditions. Today, we're diving into the vibrant world of Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. This year, we're focusing on the things you can't do on Chinese New Year. So, grab some lucky money (we'll explain later!), get comfy, and let's explore these fascinating taboos together. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and things you can't do on chinese new year.
Why Do We Have Taboos on Chinese New Year?
Before we dive into the things you can't do on Chinese New Year, let's understand why these taboos exist. Chinese New Year is a time for new beginnings, good fortune, and family reunions. Taboos help to create a positive and auspicious atmosphere, ensuring that the new year starts off on the right foot.
Now, let's explore the 10 things you can't do on Chinese New Year. Remember, these are cultural norms, and while they might seem unusual, they hold significant meaning for many people.
1. Sweeping the Floor
Why it's taboo: Sweeping the floor on Chinese New Year is considered bad luck. In Chinese, the phrase "sweep the floor" sounds like "sweep away wealth." So, it's best to keep your floors spotless before New Year's Eve and avoid any cleaning during the first few days of the new year.
What to do instead: If you absolutely must clean, do it before New Year's Eve. Alternatively, you can sweep the dirt towards the inside of your home to symbolize collecting wealth.
2. Washing Hair
Why it's taboo: Washing hair on Chinese New Year is believed to wash away good luck. The phrase "washing hair" in Chinese sounds like "washing away fortune." So, it's best to keep your hair clean before the new year and avoid washing it during the first few days.
What to do instead: If you can't resist a good hair wash, do it before New Year's Eve. Or, you could try a dry shampoo to keep your hair fresh during the new year celebrations.
3. Using Sharp Objects
Why it's taboo: Using sharp objects like knives or scissors is believed to cut off good luck. The phrase "sharp objects" sounds like "cutting off wealth" in Chinese. So, it's best to avoid using them during the first few days of the new year.
What to do instead: If you must use sharp objects, do it before New Year's Eve. Or, you could enlist the help of someone else to do the cutting for you.
4. Breaking Things
Why it's taboo: Breaking things is considered bad luck as it symbolizes having a broken year ahead. So, it's best to be extra careful with your belongings during the first few days of the new year.
What to do instead: Be mindful of your possessions and handle them with care. If something does break, don't worry – it's just a superstition, and you can still have a great year ahead!
5. Lending Money
Why it's taboo: Lending money on Chinese New Year is believed to lead to financial losses throughout the year. So, it's best to avoid lending money, especially on New Year's Day.
What to do instead: If you must lend money, do it before New Year's Eve. Or, you could consider giving the money as a gift instead.
6. Wearing Black or White Clothes
Why it's taboo: Wearing black or white clothes is considered inauspicious. Black is associated with mourning, while white is the color of mourning attire in many Chinese communities. So, it's best to avoid these colors during the first few days of the new year.
What to do instead: Opt for bright, vibrant colors like red, pink, and gold. These colors symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and happiness.
7. Saying "Goodbye"
Why it's taboo: Saying "goodbye" or "see you later" is considered bad luck, as it implies that you'll be separated from your loved ones for a long time. So, it's best to avoid these phrases during the first few days of the new year.
What to do instead: Instead of saying "goodbye," you can say "see you soon" or "see you in the new year." This way, you're expressing that you'll be reunited with your loved ones soon.
8. Visiting the Hospital or Doctor
Why it's taboo: Visiting the hospital or doctor on Chinese New Year is believed to invite illness and bad health for the rest of the year. So, it's best to avoid hospitals and clinics during the first few days of the new year.
What to do instead: If you're not feeling well, try to visit the doctor before New Year's Eve. Or, you could use this time to focus on your health and well-being through rest and relaxation.
9. Giving Gifts in Fours
Why it's taboo: Giving gifts in fours is considered inauspicious, as the number four sounds like the word for death in Chinese. So, it's best to avoid giving gifts in sets of four during the first few days of the new year.
What to do instead: Opt for gifts in sets of six, eight, or nine, as these numbers are considered auspicious. Or, you could give gifts in sets of five, as this number symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
10. Fighting or Arguing
Why it's taboo: Fighting or arguing on Chinese New Year is believed to bring bad luck and misfortune for the rest of the year. So, it's best to avoid conflicts and maintain a positive attitude during the first few days of the new year.
What to do instead: Focus on forgiveness, understanding, and harmony. Use this time to resolve any outstanding issues and start the new year with a clean slate.
Bonus: What to Do on Chinese New Year
Now that we've explored the things you can't do on Chinese New Year, let's talk about some positive actions you can take to welcome the new year with open arms.
1. Reunion Dinner
Why it's important: Reunion Dinner is the most important meal of the year, as it's a time for family members to gather and enjoy a sumptuous feast together. This meal symbolizes unity, love, and togetherness.
What to do: Plan a reunion dinner with your family and prepare a feast with traditional dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, and fish. Don't forget to set an extra seat at the table for any unexpected guests!
2. Giving Lucky Money
Why it's important: Giving lucky money (also known as red envelopes or hongbao) is a traditional practice that symbolizes good wishes and prosperity. Lucky money is usually given by married couples to unmarried children and younger relatives.
What to do: Prepare red envelopes filled with crisp, new notes (avoid giving odd numbers, as they're considered inauspicious). Give them to your children, nieces, and nephews, and enjoy their joy and gratitude.
3. Visiting Relatives and Friends
Why it's important: Visiting relatives and friends is a time-honored tradition that strengthens family bonds and social connections. It's also an opportunity to wish each other good health, happiness, and prosperity in the new year.
What to do: Plan visits to your relatives and friends during the first few days of the new year. Bring gifts, exchange well-wishes, and enjoy each other's company.
4. Watching Lion Dances and Fireworks
Why it's important: Watching lion dances and fireworks is a thrilling and exciting way to welcome the new year. Lion dances are believed to scare away evil spirits, while fireworks symbolize driving away darkness and welcoming light.
What to do: Find a local lion dance performance or fireworks display and enjoy the vibrant spectacle with your loved ones. Remember to wear something red to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck!
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! We've explored the things you can't do on Chinese New Year and discovered why these taboos hold significance. While these superstitions might seem unusual, they're an integral part of Chinese culture and tradition. So, if you're celebrating Chinese New Year this year, we hope this article has given you some insight and inspiration.
Now, go forth, embrace the new year, and remember – the more you know, the more you glow! Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!