Origins of No Cleaning Tradition The practice of halting sweeping and mopping on New Year's Day isn't just a convenient excuse to avoid chores after a late night. This custom intertwines cultural beliefs and age-old superstitions, particularly prominent in Chinese and other Asian cultures. Household cleaning takes on a symbolic role as one year transitions [] 9. No cleaning during Chinese New Year No personal grooming or housekeeping allowed! Do not wash your hair, cut your nails, use the scissors or sweep the floor on the first day of Chinese New Year. We have probably heard this every year and they all have one thing in common, that is to prevent luck from “escaping”. The Chinese word for “book” (shū) sounds exactly the same as the word for “lose” – so buying a book right after ringing in the New Year is considered an invitation for bad luck. After the New Year, throw the wrapped up shards into a lake or river. 3. Do not clean or sweep. Before the Spring Festival, there is a day of cleaning to sweep away the bad luck. But during the actual celebration, cleaning is taboo. Cleaning or throwing out garbage may sweep away good luck instead. However, cleaning the house before Chinese New Year is important for another reason —- getting rid of bad luck. Make sure to do a full sweep, and clear out all the unfortunate things that have happened in the past year, leaving your house open to good fortune once the celebrations begin. Chinese New Year (CNY) is one of the most significant celebrations in Asian culture, filled with traditions that bring luck, prosperity, and happiness. To ensure you start the lunar year on the right foot, here’s a handy list of do’s and don’ts to follow during the festive season! The Do’s. Clean and Declutter Your Home Cleaning during the Lunar New Year, however, is thought to risk getting rid of any good luck accumulating in the home. Sweeping, taking out the garbage or even washing your hair should be avoided. CL: “We don’t clean after Chinese New Year. You have to clean before. It’s bad luck if you clean after, and you’re also very busy during celebrations so you don’t have time anyway.” Me: “Do you know why it’s bad luck?” CL: “You need to start the New Year with a clean house. If you already have to clean after the start of New DON’Ts: WHat you shouldn’t do during Chinese New year. DON’T start any arguments or bring up any negative topics. No profanities or swearing on Chinese New Year’s eve and day. DON’T cry on Chinese new year. Try to avoid sad memories! DON’T clean on the day of Chinese New Year, as you may sweep your luck and good fortunes away! Chinese New Year in 2025 falls on Jan 29 (Wednesday). As Singaporeans gear up for the celebrations, these age-old superstitions remind us of the cultural richness and traditions that define the Chinese New Year superstitions are traditional beliefs and practices observed during the Lunar New Year to bring good luck and ward off misfortune. These customs range from avoiding certain actions to performing specific rituals, all aimed at ensuring a prosperous year ahead. 20 Chinese New Year Superstitions 1. Avoid Cleaning on New Year’s Day Dos: Cleaning the house tends to be done before the Chinese New Year arrives. However, keep in mind that when you sweep the floor, sweep things inward and take them out through the back door. However, keep in mind that when you sweep the floor, sweep things inward and take them out through the back door. Set Realistic Goals: Break your Chinese New Year decluttering into small tasks and set simple goals each day.; Allocate Time Wisely: Split your tasks into short, focused sessions of around 30 to 60 minutes each and spread them across several days to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Chinese New Year (CNY) in 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29. Traditionally, spring cleaning is performed before the New Year to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. It’s customary to complete this cleaning before New Year’s Eve, which is Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Cleaning the house is a long-observed Chinese New Year tradition. The ground, the walls, and every corner of the house need to be cleaned. In Chinese, “Dust” is a homophone for the word “Chen", meaning the old. This year, Chinese New Year begins on Wednesday, January 29. Those who celebrate will be entering the year of the snake. Just like with any holiday, traditions abound for Chinese New Year. Some of 1. Do not sweep. On New Year’s Day, sweeping or cleaning the house is considered bad luck. It is advised to complete all cleaning before the Lunar New Year begins. 2025 Spring cleaning checklist, auspicious dates, and detailed guides to help you in prepping for your spring cleaning before Chinese New Year to invite brand new positive energy and send away all the negative energy. Updated January 22nd, 2025: Added Other Chinese Festive Dates. 2025 Auspicious Dates from Spring Cleaning, Altar Cleaning, Chinese New Year Break, when to Recommence work or start work dates, Heavenly Pardon day, or any significant auspicious days which can add additional boost into your personal or career decision. Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations and Activities (Jan. 7–Feb. 12, 2025) Jan. 7, 2025: Laba Festival. Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for Chinese New Year as early as day 8 of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar.
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