As the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, approaches, many traditions and superstitions come to light. Among them is the belief that sweeping the floor during this auspicious time can sweep away good luck and prosperity along with the dust and dirt 污垢 (wū gòu). But is this belief grounded in reality, or is it merely a myth? Let's explore. Day Meaning; 1: In the first day of Lunar new year, you must not sweep the floor, if not, you will sweep away good luck for the year. Till date, people still practice cleaning and sweeping the house before CNY but during CNY, they will refrain from sweeping, throwing rubbish out. On the 1st day of the 1st lunar month, there is a Chinese New Year taboo on sweeping the house and dumping the trash. Otherwise, all the savings and valuables will be swept away. If it is really necessary, the house owner should start the sweeping from outside to inside of the house, which intimates collecting money. There are many Chinese New Year traditions about dos and don'ts. Find out the top 18 things you should not do. Some are taboos on the first day of the Chinese New Year and some are superstitions for the whole New Year Festival season (from the 1st to 15th of the Lunar New Year). 1. Avoid taking medicine. Sweeping the floor, taking out the trash and splashing water outside during this period all signify tossing out incoming good luck and wealth from the new year. That's probably why most Chinese families get their spring cleaning out of the way before the new year, and someone might go ballistic if you brush a broom or mop against their feet. Sweep, mop, scrub, dust, vacuum, steam – do anything and everything to make sure your home is spick and span BEFORE the stroke of midnight on Lunar New Year eve, February 11. (See below for more Don’t sweep the floor on Chinese New Year. Remember to finish all your cleaning up before the start of Chinese New Year because sweeping and taking out the trash symbolises the sweeping away of Staying away from sweeping and washing the floor on New Year’s Day is considered taboo among Chinese people. It is believed that sweeping or washing the floor on this day will bring bad luck, as it reminds people of the end year. Moreover, sweeping or washing the floor on new year’s day may lead to accidents in the year ahead. The Year of the Snake ushers in the first Spring Festival since the Chinese New Year celebration was added to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in December. Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Shanghai this Chinese New Year, where customs like sweeping away the old and welcoming prosperity come to life. Chinese New Year marks a time for fresh starts and new opportunities. Central to the celebrations is the tradition of spring cleaning — a meaningful practice rooted in Chinese culture. It’s not just about tidying up — it’s about sweeping away the negativity of the past year and preparing your home to welcome prosperity, health, and The Chinese New Year is a time for gathering with the family to say goodbye to things that no longer serve us and welcome in a new, prosperous year. Here are some of the main activities and superstitions for a prosperous new year. FILE - Las Vegas, MGM Resorts, Bellagio Resort, Bellagio, Conservatory, Chinese New Year, Snake, Year or the Snake On the first day of Lunar New Year. Do not sweep the floor or take out the Don’t sweep the floor during the first three days of Chinese New Year as you would literally be sweeping your luck out. (Pixabay pic) The red packets, firecrackers and lion dances are back! What to eat for Chinese New Year 2025. On the morning of New Year’s Eve, people sweep the tombs of their ancestors and then return home. When they finish hanging Spring Festival couplets and red Don’t sweep the floor on Chinese New Year. Remember to finish all your cleaning up before the start of Chinese New Year because sweeping and taking out the trash symbolises the sweeping away of Buy new clothes and have a haircut To welcome the New Year with a fresh image and avert misfortune; Stay up late on New Year’s Eve To wish for longevity for your parents; Greet everyone with a smile and utter auspicious sayings To usher in good luck and a smooth-sailing year; Prepare even-numbered mandarin oranges for New Year visits Staying away from sweeping and washing the floor on New Year’s Day is considered taboo among Chinese people. It is believed that sweeping or washing the floor on this day will bring bad luck, as it reminds people of the end year. Moreover, sweeping or washing the floor on new year’s day may lead to accidents in the year ahead. D: On the first day of New Year, you don’t sweep the floor. They believe that you’re gonna sweep away all of the good things– they don’t talk about luck, they talk about wealth, money. So you just keep it inside the house, or maybe you can gather it in one spot and leave it there. Chinese New Year Celebrations History of Chinese New Year Before Chinese New Year’s Celebration Celebrations on New Year’s Eve 15-Day Celebration of CNY ___ Chinese Customs around Chinese New Year’s Celebration Chinese New Year, in traditional Chinese: 農曆新年; pinyin: Nónglì xīnnián; literal meaning: Agrarian Calendar New Year. When the Lunar New Year begins, many people hold off on sweeping their homes, believing it could sweep away good luck. This tradition stems from the idea that during the first days of the Spring Festival , any cleaning activity might inadvertently remove the fortune and good luck that the new year brings.
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