Don't Do These Things! (Chinese New Year Taboos)

Chinese New Year is a time for fresh starts and good vibes. But did you know there are certain things you should avoid doing to ensure a lucky year? 

These are the Chinese New Year taboos you need to know to make the most of the Year of the Horse.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow (Literally!)

Thinking of a New Year's Day haircut? Hold that thought! This one requires a little pre-planning. In Chinese, the word for "hair" sounds a lot like "fa" in "facia," which means "to become wealthy." So, washing or snipping your locks is seen as washing or cutting away your good fortune. That's why you might find your favourite salon mysteriously closed on New Year's Day. The same logic applies to laundry – give the washing machine a rest!

Ditch the Black and White (Unless You're Going for a Funeral Vibe)

Black and white are traditionally colours of mourning. You want to kick off the New Year with vibrant energy, not somber vibes! Instead, deck yourself out in red – the colour of good luck, good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. Think of it as a good-luck charm.

Keep the Negativity at Bay (Good Vibes Only!)

Words have power, especially during auspicious times. Avoid saying anything with negative connotations, like death, sickness, pain, sadness, poverty, or, well, you get the idea. Keep the conversation light, positive, and focused on all the good things to come. Your loved ones (and your karma) will thank you.

Handle with Care (Butterfingers Beware!): Breaking a bowl or a glass isn't just a clumsy moment; it's thought to break your connection to good fortune. If an accident happens, don't panic! Carefully wrap the broken pieces in red paper and dispose of them after the New Year celebrations. Crisis averted!

Put Down the Broom (Good Fortune Doesn't Like Clean Freaks)

Spring cleaning is a pre-Spring Festival activity. Sweeping or taking out the trash during the holiday is like sweeping away all the good luck that's just arrived. So, relax, put your feet up, and let the dust bunnies accumulate for a few days. Your fortune will thank you.

Sharp Objects? Not So Sharp Idea

Scissors, needles, knives… put them all away! Traditionally, this taboo gave women a break from their usual sewing and housework. But now, it's believed that sharp objects can "cut" away your ties to wealth, success, and even sever relationships. Better safe than sorry!

Married? Stick to His Side of the Family (At Least for New Year's Day)

This one's a bit old-fashioned, but here's the deal: traditionally, the wife moves in with the husband's family after marriage. Visiting the wife's side of the family on New Year's Day is considered bad luck for the marriage and the family. Think of it as a temporary geographical restriction for the sake of marital harmony.

Doctor's Visits on Hold (Unless It's an Emergency!)

Unless you have a chronic condition that requires medication, it's customary to avoid going to the doctor or taking medicine during the New Year. The idea is that you might "jinx" yourself into being sick for the entire year. Prevention is key, but superstition trumps all (apparently).

Money In, Money Out? Not on New Year's Day!

Lending money on New Year's Day is like opening the floodgates for your cash to flow out all year long. And borrowing money? That's starting the year in debt, which could mean you'll be borrowing money all year. Keep your finances stable and avoid any monetary transactions on this auspicious day.

These taboos might sound a bit quirky, but they're all about setting the right intentions for a happy and prosperous year ahead. So, why not give them a try? Happy Year of the Horse! 🐴🧧🎉🏮