Top 10 Chinese New Year Superstitions

Chinese New Year is a superstitious time, and there is a long list of do's and don'ts to adhere to if you want to have a corker of a year. Check out our top ten superstitions for Chinese New Year, to make next year a huge success.

1) Polite Conversation

During the holiday period, don’t talk about dying, and don’t tell ghost stories. Both subjects are considered inauspicious.

2) A Clean Getaway

If your partner asks you why the house is so dirty, you'll have the perfect excuse: it's bad luck to sweep dust and dirt out of your house during the holiday because it signifies sweeping all your family’s good fortune away. {Just don't mention to your partner the other bit - about sweeping the dust into the house, picking it up and then putting it out the back door for good luck).zSB(3,3)

3) No More Excuses

If number 2 sounded too good to be true - it is. The entire house should be cleaned and all cleaning equipment put away on New Year’s Eve.

4) Literature off the Books

Out of reading material? Well, you'll just have to tough it out. Buying books during the holiday brings bad luck, as the word in Cantonese is a homonym for 'lose'.

5) No New Shoes

Buying shoes is also not a good idea. The Cantonese word is a homonym for 'rough', and no one wants to have a rough year.

6) Pay Up

If you're in debt, it's time to stump up the cash, or you'll be in debt all year. Friends need cash? Don't give them a penny, because the reverse is also true - lend now and you'll be lending all year.

7) Cut it Out

Put away your knives and scissors, they are said to cut out good luck.

8) Paint the Town Red

Colorful clothing is said to bring good luck and deliver a prosperous year. The colour of choice is red.

9) Bags of Sweets

Candy is eaten by many, as it is said to bring the eater a sweet year.

10) A Breath of Fresh Air

It might still be a little chilly outside, but open your windows nevertheless - it helps the New Year to come in.

Tags: chinese new year, superstition

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