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Chinese New Year Custom


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Wifey never heard of the egg thing but she says it's bad luck to sweep the house on new years--says it will sweep away all the good luck. this custom has already brought good luck to me as this is one day that I don't have to sweep!! Wahoooey!!!!

186014[/snapback]

Is it bad luck to shower on New Years?

 

I don't care what the customs are for New Year.

 

I'll just follow what she says to do as on any other day. <_<

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Wifey never heard of the egg thing but she says it's bad luck to sweep the house on new years--says it will sweep away all the good luck. this custom has already brought good luck to me as this is one day that I don't have to sweep!! Wahoooey!!!!

186014[/snapback]

Is it bad luck to shower on New Years?

 

I don't care what the customs are for New Year.

 

I'll just follow what she says to do as on any other day. <_<

186021[/snapback]

good plan, then if it's wrong you can openly blame her--she will appreciate that oh sooooo much. Trust me on this one! Buwahahahahahahahahaha

Link to comment
Wifey never heard of the egg thing but she says it's bad luck to sweep the house on new years--says it will sweep away all the good luck. this custom has already brought good luck to me as this is one day that I don't have to sweep!! Wahoooey!!!!

186014[/snapback]

Is it bad luck to shower on New Years?

 

I don't care what the customs are for New Year.

 

I'll just follow what she says to do as on any other day. <_<

186021[/snapback]

good plan, then if it's wrong you can openly blame her--she will appreciate that oh sooooo much. Trust me on this one! Buwahahahahahahahahaha

186031[/snapback]

Don't worry Trigg I already messed up on New Year. I was at 99 Ranch Market and with the groceries I picked up New Year decorations. I had them up before she got home.

 

Aaaaiiiiii Yyyaaaa Laowai! I had to take half of them down because they are not for home but for making the business prosperous. The check out clerk at the market is now on her list for not telling me. Whew, I lucked out.

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http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/taboos.html

 

Taboos and Superstitions of Chinese New Year

 

House Cleaning

 

The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept. Beginning at the door, the dust and rubbish are swept to the middle of the parlor, then placed in the corners and not taken or thrown out until the fifth day. At no time should the rubbish in the corners be trampled upon. In sweeping, there is a superstition that if you sweep the dirt out over the threshold, you will sweep one of the family away. Also, to sweep the dust and dirt out of your house by the front entrance is to sweep away the good fortune of the family; it must always be swept inwards and then carried out, then no harm will follow. All dirt and rubbish must be taken out the back door.

 

 

 

Bringing In the New Year and

 

Expelling the Old

 

Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year. On the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, every door in the house, and even windows, have to be open to allow the old year to go out.

 

New Year Activities Set Precendent

 

All debts had to paid by this time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year. Back when tinder and flint were used, no one would lend them on this day or give a light to others.

 

Everyone should refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words. Negative terms and the word "four" (Ssu), which sounds like the word for death, are not to be uttered. Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo. References to the past year are also avoided as everything should be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning.

 

If you cry on New Year's day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.

 

 

 

Personal Appearance and Cleanliness

 

On New Year's Day, we are not suppose to wash our hair because it would mean we would have washed away good luck for the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year. Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relatives are given lai see, little red envelopes with crisp one dollar bills inserted, for good fortune.

 

More New Year Superstitions

 

For those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction which is most auspicious to head out.

 

The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year. It is a lucky sign to see or hear songbirds or red-colored birds or swallows.

 

It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom so that is why everyone, even the sick, should get dressed and sit in the living room.

 

Do not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune.

 

While many Chinese people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced. These traditions and customs are kept because most families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity.

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Very interesting post above. Question? If you do not sweep for the whole year, then we will never lose our good fortunes,right?

 

just trying to get out of house work. I have found my SO can spot a speck of dust on a table behind me through our cams. Wow, I am learning a lot of what these women can do. :)

Edited by chef4u (see edit history)
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Very interesting post above.  Question?  If you do not sweep for the whole year, then we will never lose our good fortunes,right?

 

just trying to get out of house work.  I have found my SO can spot a speck of dust on a table behind me through our cams.  Wow, I am learning a lot of what these women can do. :smartass:

186099[/snapback]

Chefy dude, I like the way you think!! I'm gonna try that no sweeping policy out with wifey. i'll let you know how it goes but i'm pretty sure that if you say i don't have to clean anymore then I don't!!

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Very interesting post above.  Question?  If you do not sweep for the whole year, then we will never lose our good fortunes,right?

 

just trying to get out of house work.  I have found my SO can spot a speck of dust on a table behind me through our cams.  Wow, I am learning a lot of what these women can do. :smartass:

186099[/snapback]

My wife has discovered spider webs in my closet that would have probably gone undiscovered for many more years if she hadn't been here. She definitely is getting the house under control.

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Very interesting post above.  Question?  If you do not sweep for the whole year, then we will never lose our good fortunes,right?

 

just trying to get out of house work.  I have found my SO can spot a speck of dust on a table behind me through our cams.  Wow, I am learning a lot of what these women can do. :bangin:

186099[/snapback]

Chefy dude, I like the way you think!! I'm gonna try that no sweeping policy out with wifey. i'll let you know how it goes but i'm pretty sure that if you say i don't have to clean anymore then I don't!!

186103[/snapback]

well, she can only see so much through our cams. So, I just put all that dirty stuff out of her view. Although, I forgot about the table that she can see. :unsure: Anyway, I got her thinking that I am a pretty organized person and keep a really clean place. Pretty smart guy, huh!! :smartass:

Edited by chef4u (see edit history)
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