The first day of the Year of the Snake: 16 Chinese taboos to pay attention to

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Chinese culture believes that actions taken during the Spring Festival, which marks the beginning of the new year, can determine your fate in the coming year.

A large number of Chinese New Year traditions define what is allowed and what is forbidden to do. Check out 16 key beliefs that, according to Chinese tradition, are best avoided. Some prohibitions apply only on the first day of Chinese New Year, while others become a kind of superstition throughout the New Year season, which lasts from the 1st to the 15th of the lunar calendar.

What not to do during Chinese New Year

1. Avoid taking medication. Brewing herbs or taking medicine on the first day of the New Year is considered forbidden, as it can lead to serious illnesses throughout the year. However, those who take prescribed medications on a regular basis should not follow this Chinese tradition, as they are not designed for such occasions.
2. Do not sweep or take out the trash. It is believed that if you sweep on this day, you will throw away wealth, and taking out the trash symbolizes the expulsion of happiness and good luck from the house.
3. Keep a positive attitude and avoid negative words. During the Lunar New Year period, it is better to keep positive energy and avoid expressing negative thoughts or curses.
4. Avoid porridge and meat for breakfast. It is believed that a breakfast of porridge or meat can lead to misfortune and poverty in the new year. This is also related to respect for Buddhist gods.
5. Refrain from cutting your hair. According to Chinese tradition, cutting your hair on the first day of the new year can bring bad luck. However, before the Chinese New Year, cutting your hair or getting a new hairstyle is considered a good way to change your look for the coming year.
6. Don't do laundry. Doing laundry on the first and second days of the new year is considered disrespectful to the water god, which can lead to wealth being thrown out of the house.
7. Avoid handicrafts. From the first to the fifth day of the new year, it is better to refrain from working with your hands, as this can lead to difficulties in work throughout the year.
8. Avoid using knives and scissors. According to tradition, using sharp objects on the first day of the new year can lead to conflicts and quarrels in the following year.
9. Avoid odd numbers. The Chinese consider even numbers lucky, so odd numbers are considered unlucky.
10. Beware of giving certain gifts. Giving watches, knives, and pears can have negative connotations in Chinese culture.
11. Refrain from breaking dishes. Breaking dishes is considered a sign of misfortune, financial loss, and family problems throughout the year.
12. It is not recommended for married girls to visit their parents on the first day of the new year, as this can lead to bad luck and economic difficulties in the family.
13. Do not visit hospitals. Visiting the hospital during this period can lead to illness throughout the year. However, it is worth knowing that if you have a doctor's appointment or something urgent, it is not recommended to follow this Chinese tradition.
14. Avoid lending and borrowing money. Money should not be borrowed during the new year, and all debts should be repaid before this holiday.
15. Do not wear damaged clothes. Wearing damaged clothes can lead to misfortune and bad luck.
16. Avoid wearing white or black clothes, as red is a lucky color during Chinese New Year celebrations. While white and black clothes are associated with expressing sadness.