Chinese New Year Superstitions

Chinese New Year may be a time for friends, family and fun, but is also a chance for foreboding as the festival is riddled with superstitions.

Check out which of these Chinese New Year superstition might be familiar to you:

1. Don't reach for the broom

It is believed that sweeping the floor during Chinese New Year drives away good fortune and good luck because it is believed that cleaning sweeps away bad luck from the last year. With any usage of the broom strictly prohibited during the festive season, vacuum cleaners are the cleaning equipment of choice.

2. Red is Good

Yes, monster "Nian" also hates the colour red so people wear red during the Chinese New Year to scare him away. Eventually, it became auspicious colour and Bright red clothes, decorations and ornaments are highly recommended. Children receive money in red paper envelopes from parents who wish them a healthy and happy New Year. Red paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of good fortune or happiness are used to decorate the household.

3. No Crying

Crying is also a strict no-no on New Year's Eve which is why children are spared from spanking or penalties on the first day. Crying is bad-luck for our Chinese brothers especially during this festive occasion.

4. Firecrackers

According to ancient Chinese mythology, there was a man-eating, half-dragon-half lion monster named "Nian" which would descend from the mountains and terrorize humans every year. However, the humans realized that Nian hated loud noises, so they decided to use firecrackers on the first day of the New Year to scare the beast away. Naturally, this practice evolved into a quintessential Lunar New Year celebration.

5. Oranges and Tangerines

Oranges and tangerines symbolize good luck and prosperity, which is why they are seen everywhere during the Lunar New Year. Conversely, visiting friends and relatives without having these delectable fruits in tow is seen as disrespectful. (QGL)