Celebration is important during Chinese New Year, but the day is also about symbolism, well-known traditions and looking toward the future. There are many things you should and shouldn’t do. Many traditions want wealth and health, but there are also traditions meant to keep bad luck away. Some traditions may look unique to those not involved, but for many people, they’re part of starting the new year correctly.
Don’t Clean on New Year’s Day
In the days prior to Chinese New Year, everyone in the family spruces up their homes. All brooms, dustpans and mops will be hidden again once we celebrate the New Year. Why? The first day’s cleaning is thought to remove the luck you may have for the year. You can’t clean your room, take out the trash or do laundry while you are on an iPad vacation. Rest up, put on your best and join the festivities—later is a good time for cleaning.
Avoid Breaking Things
A Chinese New Year tradition says that anyone who breaks a plate, cup or bowl believes it brings bad fortune. It symbolizes broken relationships, financial loss, or shattered peace. If something unfortunate takes place, try not to panic; and many will respond by wishing others “岁岁平安” (suì suì píng ān, peace each year), hoping it brings good feelings. For some, damaged pottery is wrapped in red paper and set aside until the holiday celebrations are finished.
No Negative Words or Bad Talk
In the New Year, what you say and how you say it matters a lot. Avoid speaking about death, sickness, ghosts, or bad luck. In addition, saying words like “no,” “lose,” “poor,” and “pain” is not welcomed. Why? Because words have power. Finishing the year with optimism and enthusiasm is said to welcome the same thing next year. Rather than staying negative or talking badly, send your loved ones positive messages, as it might improve the whole year’s tone.
Don’t Use Sharp Objects
Avoid using scissors, knives and similar tools on January 1 to keep your luck safe. Cutting can mean detaching yourself from your success and good fortune. That’s one reason why cooking all your meals together in advance can be so helpful. Should cooking be necessary that day, a lot of attention is given. Some even use pre-cut vegetables to be safe. We focus on shielding blessings and on not letting them feel lost.
No Visiting the Wife’s Family on Day One
Usually, married women head back to their parents’ home at the start of the second day after the New Year, not the first. In the past, it was thought that coming on the first day could cause unhappiness for couples and harm their families. A lot of modern families choose not to follow the tradition, but many adhere to it respectfully. On day one of the wedding, rituals start with recognizing the husband’s family and ancestors.
Avoid Wearing Black or White
Black and white are usual in our wardrobe, but they are avoided on Chinese New Year because they indicate mourning. Rather, people often use red, because it brings happiness, joy and represents good fortune. Choosing gold and bright hues shows you want success. If you want to dress for the season, pick colors that excite you; your clothes represent you.
Don’t Lend or Borrow Money
At Chinese New Year, discussions about finances or financial deals should be avoided. Sharing your savings means you’ll face expenses throughout the year, while cutting them means you may suffer later on. When someone owes you money, you should not insist on payment during the first few days. Allow the holidays to be filled with kindness and ample blessings, instead of worry or stress about money.
Say No to Crying or Losing Your Temper
According to some, crying on New Year’s Day reflects a tough and sad year ahead. The same goes for fighting or losing your temper. Because of this, parents usually avoid scolding their children during these years, no matter what. People aim for peace, joy and a calm mind at the start of the new year.
No Empty Rice Jars or Wallets
It is thought to be unlucky to run low on important things such as rice or money, when the holiday arrives. A poorly filled or empty rice jar shows poverty and having no cash in the wallet shows there will be a hard financial situation for the year to come. They do this by always making sure there is some cash and supplies in the pantry ahead of New Year’s Eve. It’s not about extravagance; it’s about abundance mindset.
Avoid Sleeping Through the New Year’s Eve Countdown
It’s not only a fun custom to stay awake all night on New Year’s—it represents the world turning over to another year too. It’s called shousui (守岁), which means “guarding the year.” Long life for their parents is why parents remain awake and why children do the same for them. People think that going to bed early means you are disrespectful and might shorten the lives of your family. Plus, you will miss the happiness of welcoming the New Year with both fireworks and good feeling.
Don’t Kill Anything (Even Bugs!)
Despite what it sounds like, insects and even pests should not be killed during the first several days of the New Year. Violence and bloodshed are the main associations connected to the act. If you notice a few spiders, ants or flies in your garden during winter, it’s best just to leave them alone or relocate them carefully. It’s another way to keep harmony and prevent anything negative in your home.
Watch Out for Inauspicious Gifts
It’s a pleasant tradition to give gifts for Chinese New Year, although there are certain things you shouldn’t buy. Clocks are used to remind people that time is ending and they are associated with funerals. Sharp objects like knives and scissors suggest severing relationships. Shoes are said in a certain way in Cantonese and are popularly believed to imply bad fortune. Even handkerchiefs represent tears. A better approach is to serve sweets, oranges or, even better, beloved holiday treats everyone enjoys.
Avoid Oversleeping on the First Day
Many people are allowed to wake up late on New Year’s Day, but sleeping into the early afternoon is definitely not the best idea. It’s commonly said that sleeping late on January 1 will cause people to feel unmotivated throughout the year. In place of sleeping in, get up, change into something new and welcome the day with joy. It helps the year be filled with enthusiasm, positivity and success.
Closing Thoughts: It’s the Intention That Counts
Although these taboos have been maintained for a long time, people often break them without feeling guilty—and that’s normal. Although Chinese New Year has different traditions, intention, being with loved ones and beginning afresh are most important. The traditions you decide to celebrate aren’t as important as the love and hope you start the year with.
So after a day of eating with your people, remember to enjoy one of life’s most common and joyful activities: snacking! Treat your loved ones (and yourself) to tasty pineapple tarts, love letters, almond cookies and so on.
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