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Certain negative superstitions and taboos have never quite lost their pervasive force. For example, people believe it is
unlucky to sweep the floor during the first five days of the lunar New Year, because one might accidentally sweep one's good
luck and wealth out of the house. Bad language and talk of death are severely frowned upon. If a dish is broken, it is vital
to say sui sui ping, which means "peace throughout the year", as quickly as possible. Joss sticks and altar candles must be
kept burning day and night to encourage longevity; and in some households, knives and scissors are put away so that no one
will accidentally cut the "thread of good luck" in the year to come.
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With its animated movement and brightly colored costumes, dragon and lion dancing stands out as one of the biggest
events of the Chinese New Year Festival. A few of these superstitions and rituals have a spiritual aspect to them, and all of
Taiwan's temples are usually very busy during this time of year as large numbers of people crowd into them with elevated
incense sticks to pray for good luck. Indeed, some of the major temples close their main gates before midnight on Chinese New
Year's Eve as noisy and expectant crowds gather outside. At the stroke of midnight, the doors are thrown wide open and people
surge forward in an attempt to be the first to place their incense sticks into the censer, as another long-standing tradition
states that the first person to do so will be blessed with good luck throughout the coming year. |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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More Chinese 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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