Why Superstitions Matter During Chinese New Year
There’s more to Chinese New Year than eating and seeing fireworks—it is also a tradition filled with meaning. That means there are plenty of guidelines out there about what is allowed and what isn’t and many people still use them. Regardless of what you call them, these beliefs help honor ancestors, bring good luck and keep bad luck away. Although some are unusual, they play a role in making the season so special.
No Sweeping on New Year’s Day
It is common for people to not sweep or take out the trash on the New Year’s first day. Why? Because it symbolizes “sweeping away” your good fortune. Before New Year’s Eve, people in many households get rid of any harm from the old year by having a thorough cleaning. However, as soon as midnight hits, brooms and dustpans find their way back into their homes—for at least a couple of days. It serves to help you keep the blessings you’ve received.
No Washing Hair on Day One
In many households, the first day of Chinese New Year is followed by avoiding washing your hair. The word for hair (发 fā) in Mandarin is pronounced the same as the word for wealth (also fā). To wash your money away at the start is treated as washing away your luck with it. To remain safe, many individuals wash their hair the night before and choose the best day to show off their style for the year.
Breaking Things Brings Bad Luck
It’s considered extremely bad luck to accidentally break a bowl or cup during Chinese New Year. Traditionally, people associate broken items with arguments within families or the loss of money. If it does happen, don’t panic. The usual greeting “岁岁平安” (suì suì píng ān) might seem like it means “broken peace,” but it really hopes for long-lasting calm. It’s a clever linguistic workaround that neutralizes bad vibes.
Red Undergarments for Luck and Protection
It’s tradition for everyone to wear red on Chinese New Year, but people born under the current sign actually wear red underwear throughout the festive season. Why? Since it’s thought that bad luck (本命年) may happen more during your zodiac year, red gives you some safety and good luck. Whether it’s boxers, socks or a belt, each layer adds a bright point to your life.
Avoid Using Negative Words
Language is powerful, especially during Chinese New Year. These words—death, sick, poor and lose—are often not used in advertising. Rather, many people use phrases such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” and “Xin Nian Kuai Le,” which are packed with happiness and wealth. In everyday talk, focusing on the good makes everyone look forward to the year unfolding.
No Crying or Fighting—Keep the Peace
Any crying from children or loud bickering on January 1st is thought to signify unhappy feelings for the coming year. For this reason, much of the time, parents overlook small mistakes and adults aim to maintain a good mood. The plan is to start things off during New Year’s week with calmness, happiness and a positive mood. Even if someone else takes the last pineapple tart—you remain calm and enjoy yourself.
Don’t Lend or Borrow Money
Extra thought is given to money matters around the time of festivals. Don’t borrow or lend money for the first few days after the new year, as this is thought to cause money-related troubles. Chinese customs suggest that it’s good luck to pay off your debts before the New Year starts. You’re giving yourself the chance to restart without facing financial troubles in the new year.
Stepping Into the New Year with the Right Foot
Some hold that you need to use your right foot to exit your house on New Year’s Day. Such tests are used to ensure the aim is achieved from the very beginning. Even though it’s not generally accepted, you can still find this superstition in homes where people keep to ancient beliefs. This is a friendly, but amusing, glimpse into the complexity of CNY traditions.
Don’t Use Sharp Objects
Chinese people usually stay away from using knives and scissors after the beginning of Chinese New Year. It is believed that using these tools will lessen your good fortune or disconnect you from others. Because of this, many people choose to make their meals ahead of time and delay any sewing or cutting for several days when the new year starts. Even homes that are on the go still try to prepare for the holidays—that’s what tradition says.
No Black or White Clothing
Chinese people think that using black and white colors for Chinese New Year is bad luck since they’re usually the colors worn at funerals. To bring luck and happiness on Chinese New Year, red and gold pieces of clothing are traditionally worn by many adults and children. When in doubt, go bold and festive. What you wear is just as important as lanterns and firecrackers on Chinese New Year.
Serving Dishes Whole—No Chopping Heads or Tails
When it comes to food, the presentation matters. Having fish or chicken served whole brings peace, wholeness and a good beginning and end of the year. A lot of people feel that cutting off the last piece in a group sharing or its first piece, is against the way the year should run, giving you bad luck. While cooking for a festive meal, keep the dish whole and you’ll stay healthy like you’re living a healthy life.
Taboos Around Gifting
On this holiday, gift giving is usually expected, but there are a few gifts you should never offer. Clocks symbolize counting down to death. Sharp objects suggest cutting ties. There is a big ban on shoes, especially in Cantonese areas, where the word sounds unhappy or unlucky. On the other hand, give oranges, tea or gift baskets instead. When in doubt, sweet snacks always win.
Avoid Waking People Up on Day One
Experts think that disturbing someone’s sleep early on New Year’s Day can result in a year full of stress and challenges. If someone’s sleeping in, let them. It’s one superstition people are happy to follow. After all, a good start to a lucky year might be a relaxed morning and no early alarms.
Because Belief Brings Blessings
You might wonder—do these superstitions really “work”? Maybe. Maybe not. Still, they give support and joy to a vast number of people. We are reminded by them to treat everyone well, to choose our words wisely and to give this year the respect it deserves. And isn’t that the heart of any tradition?
While there are some odd restrictions—such as not sweeping and avoiding a haircut—they have a bigger explanation. A tale celebrating how we come together, treat each other well and bring in luck, health and happiness through traditions.
Sweeten the Season with CNY Goodies
Even though superstitions affect our choices, it’s the food that helps us join together. Whether its morning or late at night, you’re likely to find some celebratory snacks around. Pineapple tarts, almond cookies, love letters and other foods taste good and also offer meaning, memories and good luck.
If you want something sweet for your home (or as a gift) for the holidays, try our CNY Goodies from CNYDelights.com.