By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Compilation & Report
As the Lunar New Year approaches, from childhood to adulthood, we are always reminded by our elders about what not to do during the festive season. Breaking these numerous customs might bring misfortune for the entire year. Below are ten taboos you must be careful not to accidentally break during the New Year, and everyone must pay attention and avoid them.
The Lunar Chinese New Year is the happiest time of the year for everyone, but some traditional customs and taboos must be observed. (Image/stock up)
1.Avoid breaking objects
During the New Year period, extra care should be taken. If you accidentally break bowls or plates, remember to say “Sui sui (shattered shattered) ping’an (peace),” which helps prevent financial loss and bad luck.
2.Don’t owe money past the New Year
The New Year represents a fresh start, so make sure to repay all debts accumulated over the year before the holiday. It also symbolizes leaving behind any misfortunes along with the old year, as the new year brings a clean slate.
Everyone hopes for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. (Image/unsplash)
3.Don’t scold others or say inauspicious things
During the New Year, harmony and happiness are paramount, so focus on saying auspicious words to bless others. If elders can't help but scold children for misbehaving, doing so may lead to the child making mistakes or being scolded throughout the year.
4.No cleaning during the New Year
The reason people usually do a thorough cleaning before the New Year is because you must not sweep the floor or throw out trash casually during the festival—it’s believed this sweeps wealth and fortune out of the house.
A joyful New Year is all about family happiness. (Image/unsplash)
5.Don’t wash your hair on the morning of the first day of the New Year
The first day of the lunar calendar marks the beginning of the New Year. Washing your hair early in the morning is believed to wash away a whole year of good luck. But you shouldn’t go around looking unkempt either, so it’s recommended to wash and groom yourself the night before on New Year’s Eve, and greet the new year in your best state.
6.Don’t sleep in on the first day of the New Year
The first day of the lunar calendar marks the beginning of the New Year. Sleeping in late is believed to make you lazy and sluggish for the whole year, and you also shouldn’t let others wake you up. So, everyone must get up on their own initiative on the first day to ensure a spirited year ahead.
7.Avoid taking medicine or seeing a doctor during the New Year
Traditionally, it’s believed that seeing a doctor or taking medicine during the New Year will result in poor health and frequent illness for the entire year. Therefore, take care to stay warm and maintain your immunity. However, if you really feel unwell or sick, you should still take medicine or see a doctor.
Red symbolizes joy and is the main color of the Lunar New Year. (Image/stock up)
8.Avoid touching sharp objects
Knives and needles are considered sharp objects. According to tradition, using such sharp tools can lead to more cuts or injuries throughout the year. As such, even cutting your nails is avoided—you should trim them before the New Year to prevent breaking your financial fortune.
9.Gifts and red envelopes should involve even numbers
In traditional belief, even numbers represent good fortune, so everything should come in pairs. For example, when giving red envelopes, stick to even amounts like 2000, 2200, or 3600 yuan. Gifts are also given in quantities like 6, 8, or 12, since odd numbers are traditionally considered inauspicious and should be avoided.
10.Maintain a good mood
The Spring Festival marks the beginning of the year, and behavior during this period influences one's fortune for the rest of the year. Therefore, maintain a positive mood throughout the holidays—speak kind words, do good deeds, and think good thoughts, ensuring a healthy and smooth year ahead.
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》https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=19881