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New Year is a time when families gather to rejoice and attract good fortune for the upcoming year. Additionally, there are certain taboos and superstitions associated with this occasion.

Although contemporary individuals may no longer hold beliefs in the superstitions and taboos associated with the celebration, some traditions are nevertheless observed in anticipation of a prosperous and fortunate new year:

Before the New Year:

1. No debt

All debts have to be paid back before the New Year.

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Photo: Stears Business

2. No dust

Each member of the family contributes to thoroughly cleaning the entire house before to the New Year in order to eliminate any lingering misfortune.

3. Lucky items

On New Year's Eve, it is customary to hang auspicious decorations such as Spring Festival couplets, paper-cuts, and portraits of the Door Gods over doors and surrounding rooms.

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Photo: Cookies Box

4. Unlucky colours

The colour black and white are carefully kept away, as these colours signify death and misfortune.

On the New Year's Days

5. No sweeping!

Housekeepers exercise caution to avoid cleaning or disposing of waste. The act of sweeping is commonly linked to the removal of money, while disposing of waste on New Year's Day signifies the elimination of good luck or prosperity from the household. Postpone the cleaning till the next day.

6. No washing of clothes!

Avoid washing your clothes on the first and second day of celebrations as these days commemorate the birthday of the water deity. As reported by Richmond News, the Chinese symbol representing hair is identical to the one that signifies "to attain wealth." Washing one's hair is said to symbolically wash away one's fortune.

7. No breaking of anything!

It is considered a bad omen if you break anything, especially plates or dishes. It means you are breaking your connection to prosperity and good luck.

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Photo: Unplash

But in modern society, it doesn't matter if children accidentally break dishes, as long as their parents immediately say "岁岁平安 suì suì píng ān" (may you have peace, year after year). 岁 (suì) is a homophone of 碎 (suì) in Chinese, which means "broken" or "shattered".

8. No unlucky words!

Unlucky words such as "death", "poverty", "running out" and any other words with negative meaning are not allowed to be spoken out.

9. No porridge and no meat!

There is a belief that consuming porridge in the morning is associated with poverty, and hence doing so may hinder your chances of achieving prosperity in the upcoming new year. Additionally, it is believed that the morning serves as the New Year Festival for all deities who come to welcome the new year. Therefore, it is advisable to abstain from consuming meat during this time as a gesture of reverence towards them.

10. No medicine!

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Photo: 8 Days

It is advisable to refrain from taking any medication unless you have a persistent illness.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, it is considered prohibited for an individual to consume medication or prepare herbal remedies, unless there is a situation of utmost urgency. There is a belief that he or she will have illness during the entire year.

11. Married daughters shouldn’t visit their parents’ house

There is a belief that if a married daughter pays a visit to her parents' residence on New Year's Day, it would result in financial difficulties for the family. Conventionally, a married daughter will make a customary visit to her parents on the second day of the Lunar New Year.

During the Spring Festival

12. No getting a Haircut

It is considered inauspicious to have a haircut during the initial lunar month, as it symbolizes the passing of one's maternal uncle and is strictly avoided during the Chinese New Year. Despite its seeming absurdity, many are content to adhere to this customary practice.

13. No crying and fighting!

All conflicts should be resolved through peaceful means over the New Year period. Strive to maintain emotional composure and avoid engaging in conflicts with others in order to achieve a harmonious start to the new year.

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Phôt: Asia Highlights

14. No killing!

Any killing during the festival should be avoided, as blood will bring disaster to the family.

15. No lending or borrowing!

It is commonly held that debts ought to be settled before the arrival of Lunar New Year's Eve, and it is advised not to lend money over the entire Spring festival. Lending money to others is a harbinger of financial detriment. Conversely, if someone is indebted to you, refrain from visiting their residence and insisting on repayment, as it is also considered unfortunate.

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