There are many Chinese New Year Superstitions you probably didn’t know about if you’re not Chinese!
Chinese New Year is a key celebration in Chinese culture.
It brings a rich tapestry of superstitions believed to shape the luck and fortune of the coming year.
For those unfamiliar with these practices, they may seem unusual or even puzzling.
But for many Chinese people, these superstitions are not just customs—they are deeply rooted in Lunar New Year traditions that date back thousands of years.
During this time, specific beliefs and taboos govern behavior, from the foods you eat to the actions you take.
Influenced by ancient philosophies like Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, these traditions are deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
They are believed to protect one’s family and ensure a prosperous, harmonious year.
Many practices relate to Chinese New Year taboos.
Certain actions and words are avoided to ward off bad luck and attract good fortune.
Whether you’re joining the celebrations or simply curious about the culture, learning about Chinese New Year beliefs can offer valuable insight.
These traditions have shaped the lives of millions and continue to play a significant role today.
These superstitions and customs continue to play an important role in the lives of people around the world, particularly during this festive time.
30 Chinese New Year Superstitions You Didn’t Know About
This list includes 30 superstitions, ordered from the most significant (or “worst” taboos) to the least significant.
These superstitions reflect strong cultural beliefs about maintaining good fortune, prosperity, and harmony in the coming year.
Contents
Don’t Attend Funerals
Attending a funeral during Chinese New Year is considered highly inauspicious.
It is believed to bring bad luck, misfortune, and death-related matters into the year ahead.
Wearing black and white while sweeping is considered a significant Chinese New Year superstition.
Avoid Killing
Killing any living creature, including slaughtering animals or insects, is a serious taboo.
Bloodshed is thought to bring misfortune and bad luck.
Don’t Sweep or Take Out the Garbage
Sweeping or taking out the trash on the first day of the New Year is seen as sweeping away your wealth and good fortune.
It’s best to do any cleaning before the New Year begins.
Don’t Use Sharp Objects (Knives, Scissors)
Using sharp objects like knives or scissors is believed to “cut off” good fortune.
It’s advised to keep these tools safely stored during the first days of the New Year.
Don’t Visit Hospitals or Prisons
Visiting hospitals or prisons during the New Year is considered a sign of bad luck.
These places are associated with sickness, misfortune, and confinement, which are thought to carry over into the New Year.
Avoid Crying on New Year’s Day
Crying on the first day of the New Year is believed to bring sadness and misfortune throughout the year.
Parents especially try to prevent children from crying during this time.
Don’t Break Glass, Mirrors, or China
Breaking glass, mirrors, or China is considered an ill omen.
These items should be handled with care to avoid mishaps during the holiday.
Such breakages are believed to bring bad luck and financial loss.
Don’t Borrow Money
Lending or borrowing money on New Year’s Day is seen as bad luck.
Debts should be settled by New Year’s Eve to avoid financial difficulties throughout the year.
Don’t Visit the Sick
Visiting the sick during the New Year is considered bad luck, as it’s thought to transfer negative energy and bring bad health throughout the year.
Don’t Give Certain Gifts (Clocks, Scissors, Pears)
Giving clocks, scissors, or pears is bad luck because of their negative meanings in Chinese culture: death (clocks), severing relationships (scissors), and separation (pears).
Don’t Wash Clothes or Hair
Washing clothes or hair on New Year’s Day is seen as “washing away your fortune.”
It is best to save laundry for later in the week.
Don’t Visit a Friend or Relative’s House on the First Day
Visiting a friend’s or relative’s house on the first day is avoided, as it’s believed to bring bad luck or cause financial hardship for the host family.
Don’t Speak of Death or Misfortune
Discussing death or misfortune is considered bad luck.
Stay positive and avoid such topics to prevent negativity from entering the year.
Don’t Have a Child Cry on the First Day
A child’s cry is a bad omen, bringing misfortune to the family. Parents go to great lengths to keep children calm and happy on New Year’s Day.
Don’t Lend Money
Lending money on the first day is considered a bad omen.
People believe it causes financial loss in the year ahead.
Don’t Use Negative Words
Avoid using negative language or words associated with bad luck, such as “death,” “sick,” or “poor,” during the first days of the New Year.
The words you speak are thought to influence your year.
Don’t Wear Black or White Clothing
Black and white clothing is avoided as these colors are associated with mourning and death.
Red and gold are considered lucky colors during the New Year celebrations.
Chinese New Year colours are red and gold!
Don’t Cry
Crying during the celebrations brings sorrow and misfortune for the year ahead.
It is advised to maintain a cheerful demeanor.
Don’t Have an Argument or Fight
Fighting or arguing is believed to cause negative energy to follow you throughout the year.
It’s best to resolve differences peacefully.
Don’t Swear or Scold People
Swearing or scolding others invites bad luck.
Maintaining a peaceful, respectful attitude and avoiding harsh words helps keep the year harmonious.
Don’t Cut Your Hair
Cutting your hair during the New Year “cuts off” your good fortune. It’s better to get a haircut before the New Year.
Don’t Move House
Moving during the Chinese New Year brings misfortune for the rest of the year.
Experts recommend waiting until after the holiday to make any major moves.
Don’t Wear Old or Torn Clothes
Wearing old, torn clothes during the New Year is a sign of poor luck and hardship.
Wear new, clean clothes to invite prosperity.
Don’t Step on a Threshold
Stepping on a threshold is bad luck. It is believed to cause disruption in the flow of energy (qi) into the home.
Don’t Engage in Negative Activities or Behavior
Negative actions like gambling or engaging in unethical activities during the New Year bring bad karma.
It’s advised to keep your actions virtuous.
Don’t Cry on the First Day
Crying on the first day brings tears and hardship throughout the year.
Keeping emotions positive is key to ensuring happiness.
Don’t Use the Word “Four”
The word “four” sounds like “death” in Chinese.
It is considered bad luck, and people avoid using it during Chinese New Year.
Don’t Wear Footwear Indoors
Wearing shoes indoors invites dirt and negative energy.
It is customary to remove shoes when entering a home during this period.
One of Chinese New Year Superstitions is that shoes have negative energy and should never be worn inside the home.
Don’t Let a Baby’s First Word Be “No”
If a baby says “no” on New Year’s Day, it’s believed to bring negativity and bad luck.
Parents encourage babies to speak other words to avoid this omen.
Don’t Get Into Debt
Going into debt or borrowing money on New Year’s Day invites financial struggle.
It is important to pay off all debts before the New Year begins.
