Chinese people believe that, as the Spring Festival is the start of a new year, what you do then will affect your luck in the coming year. 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 Chinese People regard their right practice during Chinese New Year as an omen of luck for the coming year. Not only observing the festival by adhering to ancient rules, they would also try to avoid violating various taboos. Some of those Chinese New Year taboos will only sustain for first few days of the festival, while others may be kept till 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 Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash. Chinese New Year is a celebration marked by age-old traditions and customs. Similar to many other religious holidays, this auspicious occasion comes with a set of do’s and don’ts, each grounded in cultural beliefs aimed at ensuring a prosperous and harmonious year ahead. 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. It’s not recommended to buy new shoes during Chinese New Year The word “shoe” in Cantonese (鞋) has the same sound as a sigh. That’s why you’re not suggested to buy new shoes during Chinese New Year, as it means that you’re going to jinx yourself with loads of disappointment and miserable events that will make you sigh in the Traditionally, a married daughter will go to visit her parents on the second day of the new year. As people's minds gradually open up, many people no longer believe in these conservative taboos on Chinese New Year. However, some older people still don't want to do things that might affect their luck in the coming year. But these are all part of During Chinese New Year, people have a long list of things to do. From one week preceding the festival to the 15th day after, many Chinese New Year customs are widely observed for thousands of years. The family reunion dinner, eating dumplings, and setting off firework are the must-dos that you might know. What else interesting do the Chinese do? 5. Do not visit the wife’s family. Traditionally, multiple generations live together. The bride moves into the groom’s home after marriage. And, of course, she will celebrate Chinese New Year with her in-laws. Returning to her parents on New Year’s Day means that there are marriage problems and may also bring bad luck to the entire family. As the Chinese New Year approaches on Jan. 29, most of the people are looking for ways to usher in good fortune and positive energy for the upcoming year. During the Lunar New Year Lunch hosted by New World Hotel, Feng Shui expert Patrick Fernandez from the Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony shares practical advice on what to do—and what to avoid 7. Sending Chinese New Year Wishes. During Chinese New Year, Chinese people will greet each other with pleasant words like: 'Xin nian kuai le' which means 'Happy New Year' (simplified Chinese: 新年快乐). See more Chinese New Year Greetings and Wishes. 8. Watching the New Year TV Gala Chinese New Year, alternatively referred to as the Spring Festival, is also commonly called the Lunar New Year – an inclusive name reflecting that many countries, not just China, recognize the Don’t discuss death, ghosts, and the misfortune or hardship experienced in the previous year. Doing this during the Chinese New Year can attract bad luck. Don’t say any negative words. It is time to stay positive, focus, and prepare for a new beginning. Don’t go for a haircut or do laundry during the Chinese New Year. Stay away from 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. Each year honors an animal based on the Chinese zodiac. The circle of 12 animals — the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig — measure the cycles of What are the animals of the zodiac? Each year honors an animal based on the Chinese zodiac. The circle of 12 animals — the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig — measure the cycles of time. The seventh day of the Lunar New Year (February 4, 2025) is said to be when the Chinese mother goddess, Nuwa, created humanity. Thus, it’s called renri/jan jat (the people’s birthday). Happy Chinese New Year 2025: Chinese New Year, based on the Lunar Calendar, typically falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 2025, the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, will be celebrated from January 29th to February 12th. According to the Chinese Public Taking naps, especially on the first day of the Chinese New Year, represents laziness. In Chinese culture, taking naps on the first day of the new year will affect your luck and career for the rest of the year. 9. Avoid breaking things in your home However, with the changing times and the influence of new cultures, some young people might choose to wear white clothing during the New Year to show their style. They often add some red decorations, such as red scarves or brooches, to keep a festive tone. Wearing black clothing during the New Year may create a solemn mood for the festival.
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