Lunar New Year Superstitions: A Guide to Traditional Beliefs for Prosperity and Luck
The beginning of a new year often brings a familiar pattern—resolutions made with enthusiasm in January are frequently forgotten by the second week. However, there is no need to worry. Chinese New Year provides a second chance for renewal and fresh starts. Chinese culture is deeply embedded with customs, traditions, and superstitious beliefs that have been passed down through generations. It is widely accepted that the actions taken during the Lunar New Year can significantly impact one's luck and fortune for the entire year ahead.
Common Superstitions to Observe for a Prosperous Lunar New Year
As you prepare to welcome the Lunar New Year, here are some prevalent superstitions worth noting to ensure a year filled with blessings and good fortune.
Do Not Sweep or Take Out the Garbage
Sweeping on New Year's Day is thought to sweep away the blessings and good luck from the household. Similarly, taking out the garbage is seen as discarding good fortune. To preserve incoming luck, many families avoid these chores on both New Year's Eve and the first day of the Lunar New Year, allowing positive energy to accumulate within the home.
Avoid Washing or Cutting Your Hair
In Mandarin, the word for hair, "tóu fa," shares the same pronunciation as "fa" in "fa cai," which means "to become wealthy." Consequently, washing or cutting your hair is believed to symbolize washing or cutting away wealth and prosperity. If you are considering a new hairstyle, it is advisable to wait until at least the second day of the new year to avoid jeopardizing your financial luck.
Refrain from Taking Medicine
Some traditions hold that taking medicine on the first day of the Lunar New Year may invite illness for the remainder of the year. In older practices, people would even discard or symbolically break their medicine pots to ward off sickness and ensure robust health in the coming months, emphasizing the importance of starting the year in good physical condition.
Do Not Wash Clothes
Clothes are traditionally not washed on the first and second days of the new year in observance of the Water God's birthday. Since water is a symbol of wealth in Chinese culture, pouring water away is thought to wash away prosperity. Washing clothes during this period is therefore considered disrespectful and inauspicious, potentially leading to financial loss.
Avoid Breaking Glassware
Breaking plates, bowls, or vases is associated with incompleteness, financial loss, or family discord. If an accident occurs and something breaks, it is customary to wrap the shards in red paper and recite the phrase, "Sui sui ping'an," meaning "peace and safety throughout the year," to counteract any negative energy and restore harmony.
The Significance of These Superstitions
While superstitions may not resonate with everyone, they reflect a deep-seated communal desire for harmony, prosperity, and well-being. Rooted in centuries of tradition, these beliefs offer a sense of continuity and provide an intentional way to step into the new year with mindfulness and hope. By observing these customs, individuals connect with their cultural heritage and set positive intentions for the months ahead.
