The Spring Festival, as one of the most important traditional festivals in China, carries rich cultural connotations and many customs and taboos. These customs and taboos reflect the Chinese people's good wishes for the New Year and their expectations for the future life. Below, we take a closer look at the Chinese New Year taboos you mentioned and try to understand the cultural significance behind them.
Don't go to someone's house on Chinese New Year's Eve and spend the night at someone's house: this custom is mainly based on security and privacy considerations. On Chinese New Year's Eve, every family is having a Chinese New Year's Eve meal and keeping the New Year, believing that this is a time for family reunion, and outsiders avoid disturbing to maintain family harmony and warmth.
Do not turn off the lights on New Year's Eve or Chinese New Year's Eve: the lights are left to symbolize a bright future in the coming year, and also have the meaning of "lighting the light of life", symbolizing warmth and hope.
3.The second day of the Lunar New Year is considered to be the God of Wealth Day, and the God of Wealth is expected to have good fortune in the coming year, so it is necessary to avoid saying unlucky words so as not to affect the fortune.
You can't finish the fish on the dinner table on Chinese New Year's Eve: this custom means "there is more than every year", and the word Yu is homophonic with fish, which means that there is a surplus every year and a rich life.
5.Not being able to sweep the floor will sweep away luck: During the Spring Festival, especially on the first day of the new year, it is believed that sweeping the floor will sweep good luck and wealth out of the door, so avoid sweeping the floor.
6.Don't wash your hair and laundry on the first day of the new year: Washing your hair and taking a shower is considered to wash away luck, especially on the first day of the new year, and it is even more important to avoid it to maintain good luck.
Don't wear white: In traditional Chinese culture, white is often associated with funerals, and the Spring Festival is a festive festival, and wearing white clothes is considered unlucky.
8.On the first day of the new year, I don't go to my relatives and eat leftovers, and I can't wash the dishes: this day is mainly to rest and enjoy the atmosphere of the New Year, not to do housework, not to go out, to show respect for the new year.
Don't throw away firecracker paper right away: firecracker paper represents the accumulation of wealth and the meaning of warding off evil spirits, and preserving it means keeping wealth and good luck.
Accidentally break the bowl and quickly say that the year is safe: Breaking something is generally considered unlucky in Chinese culture, but by immediately saying auspicious words, such as "years of peace", it can transform bad omens and bring positive energy.
At the heart of these taboos and customs is the hope that everyone will be safe, happy, and prosperous in the new year. Although some traditional customs have changed over time, the core ideas of these traditions – the pursuit of a happy life and love for family – are still deeply rooted in the hearts of many people.