By / Scenic Spots Home compiled report
The Lunar New Year is approaching. Since childhood, we’ve always been reminded by our elders about what not to do during the festive season. Breaking any of these numerous customs could bring bad luck for the entire year. Here are ten taboos you must absolutely avoid during the Spring Festival, so everyone should pay attention and steer clear.
The Lunar Chinese New Year is the happiest time of the year. (Photo / Arisa Chattasa on Unsplash)
1.Don’t wash your hair on the morning of the first day of the New Year
The first day of the Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new year. Washing your hair early in the morning is believed to wash away all the good luck for the year. However, you shouldn’t leave the house unkempt either, so it’s recommended that you wash and groom yourself the night before on New Year’s Eve, and greet the new year in your best state.
2.Don’t sleep in on the morning of the first day of the New Year
The first day of the Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new year. Sleeping in late is thought to make you lazy and sluggish for the whole year, and you also shouldn’t let others wake you up. Therefore, everyone should make a conscious effort to get up on their own on the first day to ensure a spirited year ahead.
The festivities are joyful, but some traditional customs and taboos deserve attention. (Photo / stock up)
3.Avoid breaking objects
During the Spring Festival, be extra careful. If you accidentally break dishes or bowls, remember to say “Sui sui (shattered/shards) ping’an (peace)” which sounds like “year after year of peace,” to prevent misfortune and financial loss.
4.Don’t owe money going into the New Year
The New Year symbolizes a fresh start, so it’s important to clear any debts owed to others before the Lunar New Year arrives. This also signifies letting go of bad things along with the old year, as the new year brings a clean slate.
Everyone hopes for good fortune and wealth in the coming year during the Spring Festival. (Photo / unsplash)
5.Don’t scold others or say inauspicious words
During the Spring Festival, harmony and happiness are paramount. Try to speak more blessings and auspicious words to others. If elders can’t help but scold children for misbehaving, it’s believed the child may continue to err or be scolded throughout the year.
6.Don’t do any cleaning
The reason why people typically do a thorough year-end cleaning before the Lunar New Year is because sweeping or throwing out trash during the festive period is discouraged—it’s thought to sweep wealth and fortune out of the home.
A joyous Spring Festival is all about the family having a great time together. (Photo / unsplash)
7.Avoid taking medicine or seeing a doctor during the New Year
In traditional belief, seeing a doctor or taking medicine during the Spring Festival is thought to result in poor health and frequent illness for the entire year. Therefore, take care to stay warm and maintain your immunity. But if you really do fall ill or feel unwell, you should still take medicine or seek medical help.
8.Avoid touching sharp objects
Items like knives and needles are considered sharp objects. According to tradition, using such sharp tools during the New Year may lead to more frequent cuts or injuries throughout the year. For this reason, even trimming your fingernails is discouraged—you should do it before the New Year to avoid cutting off your financial luck.
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