Chinese New Year is a season of bright decorations, family reunions, and festive meals — but it’s also a time when many people follow Chinese New Year superstitions to attract good fortune for the year ahead. Whether you’re celebrating for the first time or simply curious about the cultural traditions, these beliefs reflect a mix of history, symbolism, and modern-day practices.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 common Chinese New Year superstitions, including the ones you should follow for good luck and the ones you should avoid to prevent bad luck.
1. Clean Your Home Before CNY — But Don’t Sweep on New Year’s Day
A common Chinese New Year tradition is to deep clean your home before the celebrations begin. This is believed to clear away negative energy and make room for new opportunities.
✅ Do: Clean before Chinese New Year
- Wash windows
- Clear out clutter
- Organize your space
❌ Don’t: Sweep on the first day of Chinese New Year
Sweeping on New Year’s Day is believed to “sweep away” your good luck for the year. Save the cleaning for later and enjoy the festive day instead.
2. Wear Red for Good Luck
Red is the colour of prosperity and happiness in Chinese culture, which is why you’ll often see red decorations and red outfits during CNY.
✅ Do: Wear red or bright colours
- Red clothes
- Red accessories
- Red envelopes (ang pao)
❌ Don’t: Wear black or white
These colours are linked to mourning and are typically avoided during the Chinese New Year celebration.
3. Avoid Cutting Hair on Chinese New Year
Hair cutting is believed to “cut off” your good fortune, so many people avoid haircuts during the first few days of the new year.
❌ Don’t: Cut your hair on Chinese New Year
If you need a haircut, it’s best to schedule it before the new year starts.
4. Give Red Envelopes (Ang Pao) for Wealth and Good Fortune
One of the most beloved Chinese New Year customs is giving red envelopes filled with money. This symbolizes prosperity and blessings for the younger generation.
✅ Do: Give and receive red envelopes
- Symbolises wealth and good luck
- Helps strengthen family bonds
❌ Don’t: Give unlucky amounts
Avoid amounts with the number 4, which sounds like “death” in Chinese. Instead, choose lucky numbers like 8 or 9.
5. Avoid Using Sharp Objects on New Year’s Day
Sharp objects like scissors or knives are believed to “cut away” your luck.
❌ Don’t: Use sharp objects on New Year’s Day
If you need to use them, try to do it before the festivities begin.
6. Eat Lucky Foods for Prosperity
Food is a big part of Chinese New Year celebrations, and many dishes are chosen for their symbolic meanings.
✅ Do: Eat these lucky foods
- Dumplings (wealth)
- Nian gao (higher income)
- Fish (abundance)
- Oranges (good luck)
❌ Don’t: Eat porridge or plain rice
These foods are associated with poverty, so they are usually avoided during Chinese New Year.
7. Don’t Cry During Chinese New Year
It’s believed that crying during Chinese New Year can bring sadness and bad luck for the entire year.
❌ Don’t: Cry on New Year’s Day
Try to stay calm and focus on positive moments with family.
8. Avoid Lending Money During CNY
Lending money during Chinese New Year is thought to bring financial problems throughout the year.
❌ Don’t: Lend money during the festive period
If you must lend, do it before the celebrations start or after the New Year.
9. Keep the Door Open for Good Luck
Opening doors early on Chinese New Year morning is believed to welcome new opportunities and good fortune into your home.
✅ Do: Open doors and windows early
This helps to invite luck and fresh energy for the year.
10. Avoid Wearing Shoes Indoors on New Year’s Day
Shoes are associated with dirt and negative energy, so many families prefer to stay barefoot or wear indoor slippers.
❌ Don’t: Wear shoes inside the house
Keeping your home clean helps maintain good luck.
Chinese New Year superstitions are more than just old beliefs. They’re a meaningful part of a cultural celebration that brings families together.
Share this article with your friends and family, and start the year with good luck and positive energy!
