Lunar New Year Taboos: Unveiling the Myths and Traditions
Hello there, guys! Welcome back to our blog. Today, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of Lunar New Year taboos. If you're new here, don't worry, we promise to keep it casual and fun, just like a chat with friends. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let's explore this rich cultural heritage together. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and lunar new year taboos.
What are Lunar New Year Taboos?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's start with the basics. Lunar New Year taboos are a set of beliefs and practices that are traditionally observed during the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year. These taboos are deeply rooted in ancient Chinese culture and are meant to bring good fortune and ward off bad luck. They range from what to eat and wear, to what activities to avoid, and even what to say or not say during this period.
Now, you might be wondering, why are they called 'taboos'? Well, the term 'taboo' comes from the Polynesian word 'tapu', which means 'sacred' or 'forbidden'. In this context, Lunar New Year taboos are not necessarily bad or negative, but rather, they are sacred practices that are believed to have the power to influence one's fate and fortune.
The Power of Words: Things to Say and Not to Say
One of the most intriguing aspects of Lunar New Year taboos is the emphasis on the power of words. In Chinese culture, words are believed to have the power to influence reality, a concept known as 'speech acts'. Therefore, it's crucial to be mindful of what you say during this period.
Things to Say
Gong Xi Fa Cai: This is perhaps the most well-known Lunar New Year greeting. It means 'wishing you wealth and prosperity' and is a must-say during this period. So, don't forget to greet your friends and family with this phrase! Xin Nian Kuai Le: This means 'Happy New Year' and is another common greeting during this time. * Chun Lian: These are traditional Spring Festival couplets that are pasted on doors and windows. They often contain lucky phrases and are believed to ward off evil spirits.
Things to Avoid Saying
Bad Luck Words: Words associated with bad luck, such as 'death', 'illness', 'poverty', or 'disaster', should be avoided. This is because it's believed that speaking these words will invite bad luck into your life. Negative Statements: Similarly, negative statements like 'I'm so tired', 'I'm so poor', or 'This year is going to be tough' should also be avoided. Remember, the power of positive thinking is real!
Food Taboos: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Food plays a significant role in Lunar New Year celebrations. Certain dishes are believed to bring good fortune, while others are avoided to prevent bad luck.
Lucky Foods
Jiaozi: These are Chinese dumplings that are said to resemble ancient Chinese currency. Eating them is believed to bring wealth and prosperity in the new year. Tangyuan: These are sweet rice balls that symbolize family togetherness and unity. Spring Rolls: These are believed to bring wealth and prosperity, as their shape resembles gold bars. Fish: Fish is a symbol of abundance and excess, so it's a must-have dish during the Lunar New Year.
Unlucky Foods
Pork: While pork is a popular dish in China, it's avoided during the Lunar New Year because the Chinese word for 'pork' (zhū) sounds like the word for 'loss' (zhī). Chicken: Similarly, chicken is avoided because the Chinese word for 'chicken' (jī) sounds like the word for 'loss' (jī) as well. Beef: Beef is also avoided because the Chinese word for 'no' (bù) is part of the word for 'beef' (niúrò), so saying 'no' to beef is like inviting bad luck. Shrimp: Shrimp is avoided because the Chinese word for 'shrimp' (xiā) sounds like the word for 'low' or 'small', which is undesirable during the Lunar New Year.
Activities to Avoid: When Less is More
Apart from what to say and eat, there are also certain activities that are best avoided during the Lunar New Year.
Avoid Sweeping
Sweeping is usually a daily chore, but during the Lunar New Year, it's best to avoid it. This is because the Chinese word for 'sweep' (sāo) also means 'sweep away', and you wouldn't want to 'sweep away' your good fortune!
Avoid Lending Money
Lending money during the Lunar New Year is considered bad luck. This is because the Chinese word for 'borrow' (dà) sounds like the word for 'embarrassment' (dà).
Avoid Washing Hair
Washing your hair is usually a good thing, but during the Lunar New Year, it's best to avoid it. This is because the Chinese word for 'wash' (xǐ) also means 'wash away', and you wouldn't want to 'wash away' your luck!
Avoid arguments and fights
Arguments and fights are always a no-no, but during the Lunar New Year, they are especially taboo. This is because the Lunar New Year is a time for unity, harmony, and good fortune, and any form of conflict is believed to disrupt this.
Taboos for Different Days
The Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration, and each day has its own set of taboos and practices. Here are a few examples:
Lunar New Year's Eve
Avoid Using Sharp Objects: This is to prevent 'cutting' your luck for the new year. Avoid Taking Medicine: This is to avoid 'taking' your health. * Avoid Throwing Things Away: This is to avoid 'throwing away' your good fortune.
Lunar New Year's Day
Avoid Saying 'Thank You': This is because the Chinese word for 'thank you' (xièxiè) sounds like the word for 'be separated' (shì). Avoid Wearing Black: Black is considered an unlucky color, so it's best to avoid wearing it on Lunar New Year's Day. * Avoid Breaking Things: This is to prevent 'breaking' your luck for the new year.
Lunar New Year's Eve (Fifteenth Day)
Avoid Eating Meat: This is to prepare for the upcoming vegetarian festival, which is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Avoid Using Umbrellas Indoors: This is because umbrellas are associated with funerals, and using one indoors is considered inauspicious.
Taboos for Different Ages
Age plays a significant role in Chinese culture, and there are certain taboos that apply to different age groups.
Children
Avoid Letting Children Cry: This is because the Chinese word for 'cry' (tā) sounds like the word for 'lose' (dī). Avoid Giving Children Shoes as Gifts: This is because the Chinese word for 'shoes' (xié) sounds like the word for 'bad luck' (xiāo yù).
Adults
Avoid Giving clocks as Gifts: This is because the Chinese word for 'clock' (dōng) sounds like the word for 'lose' (dī). Avoid Giving Sharp Objects as Gifts: This is to avoid 'cutting' the recipient's luck.
Elderly
Avoid Giving Timepieces as Gifts: This is because the Chinese word for 'time' (shí) sounds like the word for 'death' (sǐ). Avoid Giving Black Clothes as Gifts: This is because black is considered an unlucky color.
Taboos for Different Occupations
Even occupations have their own set of Lunar New Year taboos.
Business Owners
Avoid Renaming Your Business: This is because the Chinese word for 'change' (gǎi) sounds like the word for 'sell' (gǎi). Avoid Moving Your Business: This is because the Chinese word for 'move' (yí) sounds like the word for 'easy' (yì), and you wouldn't want to make things 'easy' for your competitors.
Doctors
Avoid Working on Lunar New Year's Day: This is to avoid 'working' your health away. Avoid Giving Red Envelopes: This is because the Chinese word for 'red' (hóng) sounds like the word for 'sick' (hóng), and you wouldn't want to 'sicken' your patients.
Police Officers
Avoid Arresting People: This is to prevent 'arresting' good fortune. Avoid Writing Tickets: This is to prevent 'writing' bad luck.
Taboos for Different Relationships
Even relationships have their own set of Lunar New Year taboos.
Parents and Children
Avoid Spanking Children: This is to avoid 'hitting' your luck. Avoid Giving Children Too Much Money: This is to avoid 'giving' your money away.
Couples
Avoid Arguments: This is to maintain harmony in the relationship. Avoid Wearing Different Clothes: This is to symbolize unity and togetherness.
Friends
Avoid Giving Gifts Without Wrapping: This is because the Chinese word for 'gift' (lǐ) sounds like the word for 'separate' (lì). Avoid Giving Too Much Money: This is to avoid 'giving' your money away.
Taboos for Different Animals
Even animals have their own set of Lunar New Year taboos.
Dogs
Avoid Letting Dogs Bark Too Much: This is to avoid 'barking' your luck away. Avoid Giving Dogs Meat: This is because dogs are believed to bring bad luck.
Cats
Avoid Letting Cats Scratch Too Much: This is to avoid 'scratching' your luck away. Avoid Giving Cats Fish: This is because cats are believed to bring bad luck.
Rats
Avoid Letting Rats Run Wild: This is to avoid 'running' your luck away. Avoid Giving Rats Meat: This is because rats are believed to bring bad