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Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and welcoming new beginnings. It’s also a season rich in tradition and taboos that many still observe to ensure good fortune for the year ahead.
Things to Avoid for Chinese New Year
1. Don’t Sweep or Take Out the Trash
When your mother saw you sweep floor.
There’s a reason why sweeping or throwing out trash on the first day of CNY is avoided. According to traditional Chinese beliefs, doing so symbolizes sweeping away or discarding fortune. To avoid last-minute cleanup, prepare your house early—change old furniture, paint your home, or conduct thorough cleaning before CNY eve.
Pro Tip:
- Need help transporting large items like old or new furniture? EasyParcel’s courier partner – Lalamove’s service ensures everything is out of your way in time!
2. Don’t Use Sharp Objects
Don’t cut your hair during the New Year period, as you might end up with a bad haircut…
Image Source: Alieness Hair Salon
Using sharp objects like knives or scissors is believed to “cut” ties and relationships. Avoid cutting your hair or chopping cooking ingredients during the festive period to maintain harmony and positive energy.
3. Don’t Wear Black or White
You with Black Shirt vs Mom: Hey!
We all love black and white outfits, because it looks cool, right? BUT during CNY, it’s best to avoid these colors. Otherwise, your mum will scold you. Black and white are traditionally associated with mourning and considered inauspicious in the Chinese community. Opt for bright colours like red, gold, yellow, orange, or blue, which symbolise prosperity and happiness.
Pro Tips:
- The trend for CNY 2025 is neo-Chinese style (新中式), you better buy now, or else you will only be able to snap your OOTD on Chap Goh Mei (end of Chinese New Year).
- Consider using EasyParcel’s delivery solutions to deliver your CNY outfits! Need it fast? Use on-demand delivery!
4. Don’t Borrow or Lend Money
Image Source: Meme Arsenal
During CNY, it’s advised not to borrow or lend money as it symbolizes financial struggles for the year ahead. Paying off debts beforehand is a common practice to ensure financial stability in the new year.
Pro Tips:
- Read this article to learn more tips to make you Fa Cai this year.
- Saving is one of the keys to keeping financially healthy. If you are running a business, consider using EasyParcel to save on your delivery and logistics costs!
5. Don’t Use Negative Words
The unfreeze man – Andy Lau
Source: Youtube
Words related to death, bad luck, or misfortune are taboo during CNY. Avoid arguments and maintain a positive, harmonious atmosphere with family and friends. Keep using positive greeting like ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ to bring more positive and fortune vibe to your home!
6. Don’t Give “Unlucky Gifts”
Certain gifts are considered symbols of bad luck in Chinese tradition. If you plan to send gifts to family, friends, or clients, consider avoiding these items:
- Handkerchiefs: Symbolize farewell.
- Clocks or Watches: Represent death or the end of a relationship.
- Sharp Objects: Symbolize cutting ties.
- Shoes: Symbolize separation, especially for romantic couples.
- White Chrysanthemum Flowers: Associated with funerals.
- Sets of Four: Sound similar to death (四=死) in Chinese. Avoiding anything in sets of four is considered unlucky.
Instead, consider gifting red packets (ang pou), CNY cookies, and hampers filled with auspicious treats. You can deliver them seamlessly with EasyParcel!
Pro Tip:
1. Want more Ang Pao? Claimed it from us now! Learn more here.
Celebrate with Care and Convenience
Chinese New Year is about starting the year on a positive note! By respecting these taboos, you can welcome good vibes for the year ahead. And with EasyParcel as your delivery partner, you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free season. Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
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