As Asians, superstition often plays a big role in our traditions, and Chinese New Year is no exception. From ensuring good fortune to warding off bad luck, the number of Chinese New Year superstitions we follow is both surprising and intriguing!
While modern logic may take precedence and not every custom is still widely practiced, these age-old beliefs remain a fascinating glimpse into our rich cultural heritage. Ready to discover some of the quirkiest and luckiest traditions for the Lunar New Year? Let’s dive into this list of 12 Chinese New Year superstitions!
1. Avoid black and white
Chinese New Year is all about vibrant colors and festive vibes, especially red, which symbolizes good luck and prosperity! Black and white, on the other hand, are traditionally associated with mourning and should be avoided, particularly on the first day of CNY, to keep the celebratory spirit alive.
2. Don’t sweep until day 5
12 Chinese New Year Superstitions To Follow For A Big Dose Of Luck! | Image source: iStock
Finish up all your cleaning before CNY. For sweeping and taking out the trash on New Year’s Day symbolizes sweeping away your fortunes. Gulp.
On the bright side, less housework during CNY holidays. Yay!
3. Don’t wash or cut your hair
In Chinese culture, the word “head” symbolizes “beginning,” so washing or cutting your hair during the first two days of the New Year is believed to wash away or cut off your good luck. To ensure a prosperous start, hold off on haircuts and shampooing until after the celebrations!
4. Leave all the doors and windows open on CNY Day 1
12 Chinese New Year Superstitions To Follow For A Big Dose Of Luck! | Image source: iStock
That’s right! Good fortune and prosperity need a clear path to enter, so be sure to leave all the gateways open! This tradition also symbolizes clearing out the old to make way for the new and welcoming fresh opportunities into your life.
5. No visiting on CNY day 3
The third day of CNY is considered ominous.
People usually don’t go out for visiting, because this day is believed to be “Chi Kou Ri” (the day of red mouth). Also known as “Chi Gou Ri” (the day of the Red Dog).
According to Chinese culture, “red mouth” is easy to cause quarrels and fights.
Also, the Red Dog is the God of Blazing Wrath. Bad things will happen if people run into the Red Dog.
So stay indoors, yeah?
6. Don’t wash any clothes
Washing clothes on the first two days of Chinese New Year is considered inauspicious, as these days are believed to be the Water God’s (Shuishen) birthday. To avoid offending the gods and ensure good fortune, save your laundry for after the celebrations!
7. Don’t cry
Yup, hold back the tears, and try to keep the kids from crying too, especially on the first day of Chinese New Year. It’s believed that crying can bring bad luck, so keep the mood joyful and cheerful to start the year off right!
8. Make auspicious food for your guests
12 Chinese New Year Superstitions To Follow For A Big Dose Of Luck! | Image source: iStock
Did you know that different snacks and foods symbolise different blessings? Check out this list!
- Apples = peace, wisdom
- Apricot, dried (杏脯; xìngfǔ) – gold, wealth
- Chang shou mian (长寿面) = longevity
- Dumplings = abundance of wealth
- Egg (蛋, dàn) – fertility
- Eight treasures pudding (八宝饭) = good luck, great fortune
- Fish served from head to tail = an abundant and prosperous year from beginning to end
- Grapes (葡萄, pútaó) – wealth, abundance, fertility
- Lychee = close family ties
- Nian gao (Sticky rice cake, Chinese new year’s cake): prosperity
- Orange (柑橘; gānjú) – wealth, good fortune, gold
- Peaches = long healthy life
- Pineapple, pineapple tarts = wealth, luck
- Pork (猪肉; zhūròu) – strength, wealth, abundant blessing
- Sticky rice – coherence of family
- Seafood (e.g. prawns, abalone, crabs) = abundance of providence
- Tang yuan (汤圆) = family togetherness, reunion
Also note:
- Fresh bean curd / tofu should not be served as it is white and unlucky for New Year. The colour signifies death and misfortune.
- Fresh fruits symbolize life and new beginnings.
- Sugared fruits are supposed to sweeten one’s upcoming year.
- Sweets and fruits are served on a round tray, the form resembling togetherness, hence the tray is called the ‘Tray of Togetherness’.
- It is better if sweets offered on the tray add up to the number 8, because 8 is a lucky number and symbolises fortune.
9. Keep Nine Oranges in the kitchen
Placing nine oranges in your kitchen or living room is believed to attract good luck and prosperity during Chinese New Year. Plus, it’s said to ward off unwanted spirits—an extra dose of protection for the new year!
10. Don’t give out odd-numbered ‘ang bao’
12 Chinese New Year Superstitions To Follow For A Big Dose Of Luck! | Image source: iStock
When handing out ang bao (red packets), always stick to even numbers, as they symbolize balance and harmony. For an extra dose of luck, include amounts that start or end with the number 8, which is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune!
11. Don’t make porridge
Avoid eating porridge on the morning of CNY. Why? Porridge is for the poor.
And you don’t want to start the year on a poor note. 🙂
12. Mystic knots bring luck
Adorn your home with mystic knots, especially those featuring gold coins. Known as the endless knot, this symbol represents a long and happy life filled with prosperity and good fortune—perfect for welcoming positive energy into the new year!
Also READ: The outsider’s guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore
