Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time of celebration, family gatherings and welcoming of new beginnings.
It’s also a season steeped in tradition and taboos you should avoid to ensure good fortune for the year ahead.
While some of these may seem superstitious, many families still observe them to preserve tradition and harmony.
What To Avoid For A Prosperous Year
Here are six common CNY taboos you should avoid to ensure a smooth and prosperous year.
1. Don’t Sweep Or Take Out The Trash
There’s always a reason why you can’t do this thing during CNY.
According to the Chinese traditional belief, you can’t sweep or throw out trash on the first day of CNY as it symbolises sweeping away or discarding fortune.
You can avoid doing a last-minute cleanup by prepping your house early.
From changing your old furniture to a new one or painting your home, you can start doing all the cleaning before CNY’s eve.
If you need help transporting large items like your old or new furniture, Lalamove’s same-day delivery service can ensure everything is out of your way in time!
2. Don’t Use Sharp Objects
Using sharp objects like knives or scissors is believed to “cut” ties and relationships.
This means you should avoid cutting your hair or chopping cooking ingredients during the festive period.
3. Don’t Wear Black Or White
We know that black and white is a must-have colour in your wardrobe!
But during CNY, you should avoid wearing these two colours.
These colours are always associated with mourning and are considered inauspicious in the Chinese community.
Instead, you can opt for bright colours such as red, gold, yellow, orange or blue that symbolise prosperity and happiness.
4. Don’t Borrow Or Lend Money
During CNY, you’re advised not to borrow or lend money as it shows financial struggles for the year ahead.
Paying off debts before the festivities is a common practice to ensure financial stability in the new year.
5. Don’t Use Negative Words
Words related to death, bad luck or misfortune are considered taboo during CNY.
On top of that, it’s best if you can avoid arguments between your family members or friends to maintain a positive and harmonious atmosphere.
6. Don’t Give “Unlucky Gifts”
.jpg?width=600&height=450&name=give%20red%20packets%20(ang%20pow).jpg)
According to traditional Chinese belief, some gifts hold symbols of bad luck.
If you’re planning to send your family, friends or clients a gift, you may avoid buying these items:
- Handkerchief: Associated with a farewell to the one you loved.
- Clocks or Watches: Associated with death or the end of a relationship.
- Sharp Objects: Associated with cutting ties.
- Shoes: Associated with separation, especially for romantic couples.
- White Chrysanthemum Flower: Associated with funerals.
- Sets of Four: Anything in sets of four is considered unlucky.
Alternatively, you can gift them with red packets (ang pow) or hampers filled with auspicious treats and deliver them with Lalamove!
Celebrate With Care And Convenience
Chinese New Year is all about starting the year on a positive note!
By respecting these taboos, you can start the year with good vibes for the year ahead!
And with Lalamove as your delivery partner, you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free season.
Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Chinese New Year!
