With a civilization of some 5,000 years, China is rife with taboos. They're especially prevalent during the Spring Festival, when good luck is valued more than anything else. During the festival, several customs and taboos are observed to ensure good luck and avoid misfortune in the coming year.
Here are 10 things many Chinese people avoid doing during this festive period. Some of these taboos apply only for the first few days of the festival, while others may last until the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, or even throughout the entire month.
It should be noted that most of the taboos have now lost their original meaning and mystery as time goes by. Instead of being prohibited by law or convention, the taboos are more of a habit or common sense.
Saying taboo words
Using negative or unlucky words such as “breaking,” “running out,” “death,” “ghost,” “killing,” “sickness,” “pain,” “losing,” or “poverty” is discouraged during the new year festivities. It is believed that such language can attract misfortune. Instead, these words should be replaced with euphemisms throughout the Spring Festival.
Sweeping and dumping
Sweeping the house or disposing of trash on New Year’s Day (the first day of the first lunar month) is considered taboo, as it is believed to sweep away good luck. Families usually clean their homes before New Year's Eve, but once the new year begins, they should refrain from cleaning.
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Traditional beliefs hold that if you sweep away dirt, you might inadvertently sweep away the wealth and blessings that have just arrived. Pouring water outside is also discouraged, as flowing water symbolizes the movement of money — in this case, money leaving the home.
Cutting hair
Cutting your hair during the new year period, especially on New Year's Day, is seen as bad luck. This belief stems from the idea that hair symbolizes prosperity and cutting it can sever one's good fortune for the year.
The first month of the lunar year is viewed as a time for new beginnings, and cutting hair might be seen as cutting off the blessings of the past year.
In some regions, it is believed that getting a haircut during this time indicates the death of an uncle (mother's brother). Although this may sound absurd, some still adhere to this tradition.
Historically, the first haircut of the year would often take place during the second month, after the new year festivities, to avoid extinguishing the new year’s luck.
Breaking objects
Breaking dishes or other household items — such as bowls, plates, vases, or mirrors — is considered a bad omen, often associated with broken relationships or fortunes.
If something is shattered accidentally, the fragments should be collected and wrapped in red paper or cloth, then disposed of on the fifth day of the new year. Another remedy is to say, “Sui Sui Ping An” (岁岁平安), which means “safe and sound every year.” This is because the Chinese words for “year” (岁, suì) and “broken” (碎, suì) are pronounced the same, so the homophones are used to ward off bad luck.
Taking medicine
In some areas, people believe they should avoid brewing herbal medicine, taking medicine or seeing a doctor until the Lantern Festival. Otherwise, they may suffer from illness throughout the year. Visiting someone who is ill during the new year festivities is thought to bring bad luck and could expose the visitor to negative energy. Although it sounds absurd today, some people are glad to abide by this tradition.
Quarreling or arguing
Starting the new year with arguments or conflicts is believed to lead to a year filled with discord. The first moments of the new year set the tone for the entire year ahead. To avoid conflict, families strive to maintain a peaceful and joyful environment, as harmony is highly valued in Chinese culture.
Eating porridge
Consuming porridge for breakfast on New Year’s Day is considered taboo, as it symbolizes poverty. Historically, porridge was often regarded as a staple food for the impoverished, and only those unable to afford more expensive meals would eat it. Eating porridge during the new year indicates a wish for a year of shortages or difficulties, which is why celebratory dishes like dumplings or glutinous rice cakes are preferred as the first meal of the new year.
Repaying debts
It is vital to settle all debts before the new year begins, as failing to do so is said to bring bad luck.
Entering the new year in debt is believed to set a precedent for financial imbalance throughout the year, reflecting a lack of financial responsibility that may lead to further debt. Additionally, lending or borrowing anything on New Year’s Day, especially money, is also considered unlucky. Lending money suggests a loss, and asking for the return of debts owed is frowned upon during this time.
Wearing white or black
Wearing white or black, which are associated with mourning, is deemed inauspicious during Chinese New Year.
These colors are traditionally linked to funerals and grief, while bright colors, especially red, symbolize happiness, good fortune, and new beginnings. Wearing new clothes signifies a fresh start. Conversely, wearing ragged or dirty clothing can symbolize poverty and misfortune.
Throwing away leftovers
Disposing leftover food after new year celebrations is considered unlucky, as it signifies wastefulness of good fortune.
Leftovers symbolize abundance and prosperity, and discarding them can be seen as rejecting blessings. Instead, families keep leftovers to ensure that good fortune continues throughout the year.
By adhering to these customs and avoiding these taboos, it is believed that individuals and families can secure a positive start to the new year and attract blessings for the months ahead.
