As we embark on the Year of the Horse, many of us are excited for a fresh start and new opportunities to excel at school. However, according to tradition, certain behaviours can bring bad luck. Even if you aren’t superstitious, it is always good to be aware of these cultural taboos and remain respectful of others’ beliefs.
Here are five things that tradition says you shouldn’t do during Lunar New Year.
1. Don’t wash or cut your hair
Tradition says to avoid washing your hair on the first day of Lunar New Year because the words for “hair” and “get rich” sound similar. Therefore, washing your hair could wash away your good fortune. Additionally, the word for “wash” sounds similar to “die”, making it more essential to avoid.
Cutting your hair during the festival is even worse, as it symbolises cutting off your good fortune for the rest of the year. For students, hair is believed to be linked to your “roots” and intelligence. So, naturally, cutting your hair during this time is seen as snipping away your knowledge.
2. Don’t buy or give books
In Cantonese, the word for “book” sounds like the word for “lose” or “defeat”, so buying a book during the festival is like inviting bad luck into your life. Avoid giving books as gifts as well, since it could look like you are wishing bad luck on someone. More superstitious students won’t even read for pleasure on the first day of Lunar New Year, fearing it could make them lose their edge.
3. No cleaning or sweeping
Put the broom away on New Year’s Day! This is a big taboo that usually lasts for the first few days of the new year. Sweeping or taking out the trash is seen as “sweeping away” or “getting rid of” your wealth and potential fortune. This is why people do their spring cleaning before the new year kicks off to get rid of the old year’s bad luck while welcoming new blessings.
Many also avoid washing their clothes on the first and second days of the Lunar New Year. These days are considered the birthday of the Water God, so people avoid using water as a sign of respect. Superstitious students can follow suit to protect their academic fortune.
4. Avoid saying negative things
People can be extra auspicious during Lunar New Year. Folk customs encourage you to avoid saying “unlucky” words or phrases, such as “death”, “illness”, “poverty” and “loss” so as not to invite bad luck and affect your fortune for the year. Many believe that the words spoken and actions taken during the first few days of the year set the tone for the next 12 months.
This idea actually aligns with modern concepts, as using negative words can make us more pessimistic and increase anxiety. If you want a strong start to the new year, stay positive and use encouraging words.
5. Don’t take a nap
There is a traditional rhythm for Lunar New Year celebrations: “Early on the first day, early on the second day, and sleep soundly on the third day.” Historically, people visit relatives and friends on the first day of the Lunar New Year, and the second day is when daughters return to their parents’ home. It is only on the third day that people can rest well and sleep soundly.
Lunar New Year’s activities can be quite dull sometimes, especially when older relatives are talking about things you cannot relate to. It is easy to get sleepy while sitting off to the side. However, folklore holds that napping could indicate you are lazy like a sloth throughout the year, which could eventually affect your career luck. Therefore, students should stay awake to avoid risking their academic future.
