Taboos You Might Forget During Chinese New Year

Here are some Chinese New Year taboos you may have forgotten about, as well as some you may have never heard of before.

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and how’s your CNY preparation so far? The Chinese New Year is a time for love and happiness, but it’s also a time for tradition. So, if you intend to visit other relatives or celebrate the Lunar New Year with the elderly, prioritize traditions and CNY taboos to ensure that your entire year is not suay and is not judged by the elderly. Whether you’re new to experiencing the culture or have just forgotten about it, we are here to save you. So, here are some Chinese New Year taboos you may have forgotten about, as well as some you may have never heard of before.

Do Not Sweep The Floors

You might be familiar with this, as your mother has been doing it since you were a kid. Sweeping your house during CNY symbolizes sweeping away good luck, and that’s why Chinese people always clean their houses before the celebration to throw out the bad luck from the house. So not sweeping your floors is not a bad idea to escape household chores, and no one will judge you as it’s Chinese New Year!

Avoid Using Sharp Objects

Sharp objects like knives, needles, scissors, and others will deplete your wealth for the entire year and can cause harm to you. And that explains a lot about why barbershops and hair salons will be closed during the celebrations, so get your haircut before the spring festivals. You’re also advised not to wash your hair during the holiday as it means you are passing your wealth away. Did anyone mention dry shampoo?

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Gift Giving Rules

If you plan to bring gifts when visiting your friend or relatives, that is totally fine, but some gifts should be avoided during CNY. For example, avoid giving a clock as a gift as it’s a homonym for a funeral, which is “soong zhong” in Chinese. You don’t want to ruin the vibes isn’t, so avoid a clock but give watches instead as it brings the meaning of quality time between lovers and family.

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Say No to Damaged Clothing

Because Lunar New Year is supposed to be a new beginning, wearing old clothes will only bring bad luck. That’s why, during Chinese New Year, people usually dress up in their new outfits. So if you have a hole in your trousers or shirt, you should avoid wearing it during Chinese New Year as it could bring bad luck to you and your family.


The Lunar New Year is a very special time for many of us. It’s also a time for them to make lists of what to do and what not to do during the celebration of the holidays. It’s rather interesting how many things are off-limits until you stop and think about it. Why make rules forbidding certain things? While we might take such rules lightly, they seem to mean a lot to certain people. After all, it’s not a waste of time to live up to the tradition, right?

So, tell us in the comments what rules you always follow when celebrating Chinese New Year.

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