Nonetheless, there are nonetheless loads of traditions and superstitions to comply with, all aimed toward ensuring the yr forward is fortunate and affluent.
For instance, many individuals already know that purple is related to luck and prosperity, therefore all of the fiery hues you see on Lunar New 12 months decorations and clothes.
Listed here are a number of different key dos and don’ts that many comply with earlier than and after the Lunar New 12 months.
DO
Set off fireworks
The extra fireworks or firecrackers you set off the higher.
Not solely do you gentle up the night time sky with a symphony of shade, however the loud banging sounds are thought to scare off evil spirits.
In lots of components of China, you may hear a relentless, nightly barrage of loud bangs in the course of the first 15 days of the Lunar New 12 months celebration, which is called the Spring Competition — despite the fact that it occurs in the course of winter.
Some persons are so enthused they will even set them off in the course of the day.
Eat dumplings
Consuming dumplings across the holidays is a well-liked custom in northern China and there are three causes for it.
A) They’re scrumptious.
B) The Chinese language phrase for them, “jiao zi,” is much like the traditional phrase for brand spanking new changing the outdated.
C) The form of a Chinese language-style dumpling resembles the items of gold that have been used as cash in historic instances. A plate filled with dumplings seems to be like an enormous pile of gold, symbolizing wealth within the coming yr.
Clear your private home
Sweep, mop, scrub, mud, vacuum, steam — do something and all the things to verify your private home is spick and span BEFORE the stroke of midnight on Lunar New 12 months eve, February 11. (See under for extra on this.)
The intention right here is to rid your private home of any unhealthy luck that is accrued over the previous yr.
It is also suggested to settle money owed forward of the New 12 months, bank card payments included.
The superstition is that when you begin the yr within the purple, you may possible finish it that method too.
DON’T
Wash or lower your hair
Go away your hair as it’s on the primary day of the New 12 months.
The Chinese language character for hair is identical first character within the phrase for prosper.
This implies washing or slicing it off is seen as washing your fortune away and dramatically reduces possibilities of prosperity within the yr forward.
Really, LNY fundamentalists will let you know having a shower can be off-limits on the primary day for a similar motive.
Dry shampoo and dusting powder will come in useful.
Clear post-New 12 months
Be sure you clear up and throw out your trash BEFORE midnight.
In any other case you are going to have to attend until the second day of the brand new lunar yr.
Cleansing of any type on the primary day is strictly forbidden.
Do not even wash the dishes.
You cleaned your private home to rid it of any unhealthy luck earlier than the New 12 months — now you need to make sure to not wipe, sweep or wash away any of the nice luck that arrived on the stroke of midnight.
Purchase books
Avid readers will need to refill on their books and magazines earlier than the Lunar New 12 months, as a result of it is unhealthy luck to purchase them in the course of the 15-day Spring Competition.
The Chinese language phrase for “e-book” (shū) sounds precisely the identical because the phrase for “lose” — so shopping for a e-book proper after ringing within the New 12 months is taken into account an invite for unhealthy luck.
Additionally, keep away from giving books as presents to anybody, as a result of it would be like wishing unhealthy luck upon them.
First revealed in 2017, this text has been up to date for 2021.
