Chinese New Year superstitions and rituals
Happy Chinese New Year everyone! This weekend, Hong Kongers like myself welcomed the incoming year of the rooster. There was a parade, fireworks and lots of celebration. Instead of talking about what I did (which was basically just a lot of eating), I thought it would be more interesting to share some of the superstitions and traditions associated with the arrival of the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year).
Like the New Year celebrations observed in Western cultures, Chinese New Year is similar in that families gather to eat and offer well wishes to one another for a prosperous future. But there is also a superstitious cultural aspect that has been passed down for centuries. These rituals are more of a customary practice, rather than actual belief, but if you’re already a superstitious person like myself (I always get on a plane with my left foot first, and avoid sitting in certain seats), then this is right up your alley!
Similar to the giving and receiving of red packets, there are a lot of do’s and don’ts associated with celebrating the new year. If you, too, are an expat and don’t want to bring any bad juju on yourself in the year ahead, be sure to avoid doing the following things:
Don't take medicine on New Years Day
Taking medicine could be a sign of poor health in the year to come. Some people in China actually smash their medicine pots at midnight on the eve of Chinese New Year, and then buy a new one once Chinese New Year is over.
Don’t use any sharp objects
Specifically avoid using knives, scissors or needles. This is for a pretty obvious reason, as to hurt yourself would not not a very lucky way to start the year. Shedding blood is a bad omen.
Don’t bring flowers to a party
Attending a Chinese New Year party and want to bring a gift? Avoid bringing flowers altogether. Since cut flowers are reserved for grave sweepings and funerals, it would be very offensive to present these to someone hosting a party. Instead, consider bringing a mandarin tree! These are good luck, that’s why you see several stores and homes with them during Chinese New Year.
Don’t owe or collect any debt
Owing someone money going into Chinese New Year is very bad luck. It’s best to settle all debt prior to the celebration of the New Year. If someone owes you money, it’s tacky to collect it during Chinese New Year, so best to wait until afterwards.
Don’t wash your hair or do laundry on New Years Day
There are two reasons for this. First, the words “wealth” and the word “hair” have the same Chinese pronunciation, so to wash your hair may wash away your wealth in the year to come. Another reason to avoid washing your hair and clothing is to honor Shuishen (水神), the Water God, who was born on Chinese New Year.
Do wear new clothes
Wearing new clothes on Chinese New Year is seen as a symbol of wealth, for this reason wearing old clothes is believed to bring bad luck and poor wealth. However, if you’re searching for new apparel, make sure you don’t wear white or black – these colors are reserved for funerals. Red and yellow/gold are colors of energy and prosperity, go with them!
Don’t clean your home the day before or the day of New Years
Be sure to clean your house prior to Chinese New Year. Like washing your hair, sweeping and cleaning can wipe your good fortune away. If you’re hosting a party, you’ll want to make sure your broom specifically is out of sight to all guests. Even having it visible is bad luck.
Watch your language
In case you haven’t learned yet, the Chinese culture is very sensitive to words and homonyms around the New Year, specifically those related to wealth and luck. During Chinese New Year, avoid using any words associated with (or words that sound like) death, sickness or poor wealth, and especially avoid using swear words.
Are there any other rituals that you practice for Chinese New Year? I would love to hear them!