The Lucky List: 7 Things to Avoid This Lunar New Year

The Lucky List: 7 Things to Avoid This Lunar New Year

Written by Eunice Anny Morales • Boards by John Ivan Pasion | 1 February 25

As the first new moon of the lunar calendar rises on January 29, 2025, the world will usher in the Chinese New Year, marking the beginning of the 15-day Spring Festival. For the Chinese, the Spring Festival is a start of a new year and a symbolic reset. It is believed that your actions during this time will set the tone for the year to come. While there are many customs to follow, equally important are the things to avoid, as even small missteps could risk inviting bad luck.

The Dos and Don'ts of Chinese New Year

1. Avoid Ominous Words 

Words have power, especially during the Lunar New Year. Negative words such as "die," "poor," "sick," and "empty" are avoided like the plague. Conversations are carefully curated to focus on positivity and prosperity.

2. Handle with Care: No Breaking Allowed 

Breaking a bowl, plate, or even a glass during the Spring Festival is considered a harbinger of bad luck. The act symbolizes the shattering of fortune or familial harmony. If such an accident occurs, one should wrap the broken pieces in red paper and chant “suì suì píng'ān” (岁岁平安), meaning “peace and security every year.” The similarity in pronunciation between the words for "broken" (碎, suì) and "year" (岁, suì) adds to the ritual’s significance.

3. Knives and Quarrels: A Sharp No-No 

Knives and scissors are taboo during the festive season. The use of these sharp objects is believed to invite quarrels or accidents, cutting into your luck and wealth for the year. Preparations involving these tools, like chopping or cutting, are completed before the Chinese New Year begins.

4. Keep the Children Happy 

The cry of a child is thought to bring bad fortune to the household. To avoid this, parents go to great lengths to keep their children content and ensure a harmonious environment. Scolding or punishing children is strictly avoided.

5. Even Numbers for Lucky Money 

Red envelopes, or “hóngbāo” (红包), containing lucky money are a cherished New Year’s tradition. However, gifting an odd amount is a cultural faux pas. Even numbers are preferred, symbolizing balance and harmony, but steer clear of the number 4, as it sounds like “death” in Chinese.

6. Settle Debts Before the New Year 

Financial harmony is a major theme of the Spring Festival. Lending or borrowing money during the New Year is avoided, as it’s believed to set a precedent for financial instability. Debts should be settled by New Year’s Eve, and it’s considered bad manners to demand repayment during the celebrations.

7. Dress for Luck 

Clothing choices carry symbolic weight during Chinese New Year. Red is the favored color, representing good fortune and joy. White and black, associated with mourning, are to be avoided. Damaged or worn-out clothing is also considered unlucky, especially for children.

Reflect and Reset 

By avoiding these seven pitfalls and embracing positivity, harmony, and tradition, you’re setting the tone for a successful and joyous year. Whether you’re ringing in the Spring Festival with family or simply embracing its wisdom, remember that every action counts toward a brighter, luck-filled future. May this Lunar New Year bring peace, prosperity, and endless blessings, Gong Xi Fa Cai!

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