Chinese, New, Year, Beliefs, and, Superstitions

Kung Hei Fat Choi from Living in Hong Kong blog!

While the year of the Ox doesn't present a whole lot of optimism, it can still lay out a lot of opportunities.

As we explore these opportunities, let's look at taboos, beliefs and superstitions surrounding the Chinese New Year.

1. At the stroke of midnight, open doors and windows to let old out and the new in.

2. For whatever reasons abstinence from eating meat means happy and long life.

3. Eating of long, uncut noodles signify long life.

4. House should be thoroughly cleaned and materials will then be put away.

5. No sweeping of the floor should be done on the New Year's Day.

6. All debts be settled by New Year's Day.

7. Avoid conversations pertaining to unlucky "4" and things related to death.

8. Avoid crying on New Year's Day.

9. People should be greeted in living rooms instead of bedrooms.

10. Knives and scissors are hidden to avoid cutting of good fortune.

11. Do not wash hair on New Year's Day.

12. Red is the ideal clothing color to wear.