{"id":15111,"date":"2022-01-25T11:37:58","date_gmt":"2022-01-25T06:07:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/?p=15111"},"modified":"2025-12-09T15:16:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T09:46:58","slug":"chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know","title":{"rendered":"Chinese New Year Taboos you Must Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Historical_Cultural_Context\" >Historical &amp; Cultural Context<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Chinese_New_Year_Taboos_you_Must_Know\" >Chinese New Year Taboos you Must Know<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#1_Stop_Eating_Porridge_or_Meat_for_Breakfast\" >1. Stop Eating Porridge or Meat for Breakfast\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#2_Not_Visiting_the_Maternal_Grandparents\" >2. Not Visiting the Maternal Grandparents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#3_Dont_Break_Glass\" >3. Don&#8217;t Break Glass\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#4_Do_not_Use_Sharp_Objects\" >4. Do not Use Sharp Objects\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#5_Avoid_Medicines\" >5. Avoid Medicines\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#6_No_New_Year_Blessings_to_People_still_in_Bed\" >6. No New Year Blessings to People still in Bed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#7_Avoid_using_Negative_Words\" >7. Avoid using Negative Words\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#8_Stop_Sweeping_the_Floor\" >8. Stop Sweeping the Floor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#9_Avoid_Hair_wash_Haircuts\" >9. Avoid Hair wash &amp; Haircuts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#10_Put_a_Halt_to_Needlework\" >10. Put a Halt to Needlework\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#11_Stay_away_from_Hospitals\" >11. Stay away from Hospitals\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#12_Never_Give_Lucky_Money_in_Odd_Amounts\" >12. Never Give Lucky Money in Odd Amounts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#13_No_Crying_Children\" >13. No Crying Children<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#14_Avoid_Wearing_White_and_Black\" >14. Avoid Wearing White and Black\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#15_Throw_Away_Damaged_Clothes\" >15. Throw Away Damaged Clothes\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#16_Do_not_Lend_or_Borrow_Money\" >16. Do not Lend or Borrow Money\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Modern_Context_Alternatives\" >Modern Context &amp; Alternatives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Quick_Takeaway_Checklist\" >Quick Takeaway Checklist<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Dos\" >Do\u2019s<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Donts\" >Don\u2019ts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Q1_Why_are_Chinese_New_Year_taboos_important\" >Q1. Why are Chinese New Year taboos important?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Q2_What_should_you_avoid_doing_on_the_first_day_of_Chinese_New_Year\" >Q2. What should you avoid doing on the first day of Chinese New Year?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Q3_Can_you_clean_the_house_during_Chinese_New_Year\" >Q3. Can you clean the house during Chinese New Year?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Q4_Is_it_taboo_to_wear_black_or_white_during_Chinese_New_Year\" >Q4. Is it taboo to wear black or white during Chinese New Year?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/chinese-new-year-taboos-you-must-know\/#Q5_Are_Chinese_New_Year_taboos_still_followed_in_modern_Singapore\" >Q5. Are Chinese New Year taboos still followed in modern Singapore?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chinese New Year is filled with traditions, symbolism, and long-standing beliefs that guide how families welcome a fresh start. Many people follow these taboos to avoid inviting misfortune and to set an auspicious tone for the year ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below is a clear, structured guide to the most commonly observed Chinese New Year taboos, their meanings, and how people continue to interpret them today.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historical_Cultural_Context\"><\/span><b>Historical &amp; Cultural Context<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chinese New Year customs trace back thousands of years and blend folklore, superstition, linguistic symbolism, and cultural values. Many actions, words, and objects are believed to influence luck. Some taboos emerged from ancient lifestyles, while others reflect themes of respect, prosperity, and protection for the household.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the roots of these practices makes it easier to appreciate why they continue to matter today, whether strictly observed or adapted for modern living.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Every culture has its own set of rules and dos &amp; don&#8217;ts that help people. So, with the Spring festival around the corner, you must know about all the taboos related to this festival. Let&#8217;s look at the 16 Chinese New Year taboos you should remember and inform others too.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chinese_New_Year_Taboos_you_Must_Know\"><\/span><strong>Chinese New Year Taboos you Must Know<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Stop_Eating_Porridge_or_Meat_for_Breakfast\"><\/span><strong>1. Stop Eating Porridge or Meat for Breakfast\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media2.giphy.com\/media\/ehJYbjQDYVITTnrSvj\/giphy.gif?cid=790b7611b95dc8fd458ba8a3c28379bd695aba3f4576d5ac&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g\" alt=\"Good Morning No GIF by SVT\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of the most common Chinese New Year taboos is not eating porridge or meat for breakfast. Porridge has usually been considered a poor person&#8217;s meal and consuming it leads to a bad omen of poor finances.<\/p>\n<p>Secondly, eating meat on the first day and in the morning is disrespectful to the Buddhist gods.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Not_Visiting_the_Maternal_Grandparents\"><\/span><strong>2. Not Visiting the Maternal Grandparents<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i.giphy.com\/media\/26tPlltsuA89RwYww\/giphy.webp\" alt=\"Not visiting grandparents\" width=\"350\" height=\"286\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The tradition for women to celebrate the New year involves not meeting their parents. A practiced taboo for the Lunar New Year is to not allow married women to visit their homes as it can bring the bad luck of economic hardship. They are encouraged to take their husbands and children to visit their parents on the 2nd day.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Dont_Break_Glass\"><\/span><strong>3. Don&#8217;t Break Glass\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i.giphy.com\/media\/l49JE9H4L6y4l4kak\/giphy.webp\" alt=\"don't break glass\" width=\"375\" height=\"211\" \/><\/p>\n<p>By saying don&#8217;t break glass, we mean don&#8217;t break anything. Be it a plate, mirror, bowl, or vase, if it breaks, it can bring a wave of bad fortune, family breakup, or monetary loss.<\/p>\n<p>Usually, when something is broken (hopefully accidentally), people cover it with red paper and murmur &#8220;sui sui ping\u2019an&#8221;, which means, &#8216;all year round safe and sound&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Do_not_Use_Sharp_Objects\"><\/span><strong>4. Do not Use Sharp Objects\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media2.giphy.com\/media\/DYQrUcDgQi7Ha\/giphy.gif?cid=790b7611a2bf5525972395e79521b3d1493bc36431f9f6c4&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g\" alt=\"don't use sharp objects\" width=\"248\" height=\"295\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of the most traditional things you should not do on CNY is using sharp objects, such as knives, to give women a break.<\/p>\n<p>However, it quickly also turned into one of the most famous superstitions for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/decoding-year-of-the-tiger-for-chinese-new-year-2022\">CNY festival season<\/a>. It is said that using sharp or pointy objects can lead to a year filled with quarrels and deplete your financial resources.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Avoid_Medicines\"><\/span><strong>5. Avoid Medicines\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media1.giphy.com\/media\/l4EoMoMhvTo2wntsY\/giphy.gif?cid=790b7611fc73115d99ea7383e237659d39d20cc8d94dbd98&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g\" alt=\"medicines\" width=\"333\" height=\"250\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Yes, this may seem a bit weird, but it is one of the many Chinese New Year taboos (and the funniest too). While popping vitamins and other such medicines might be a normal thing to do, on the CNY, you should avoid it at all costs in fear of having a sickly year ahead. Nevertheless, in case of any emergency or severe health problems, medicine should come first.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_No_New_Year_Blessings_to_People_still_in_Bed\"><\/span><strong>6. No New Year Blessings to People still in Bed<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media4.giphy.com\/media\/26ufpwZrWiWde735S\/giphy.gif?cid=790b7611a50180c96dc3e620278ee1a94804a100055d47dc&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g\" alt=\"Wake Up Bed GIF by @SummerBreak\" width=\"376\" height=\"211\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of the most fun yet reasonable things you should not do on CNY is showering your blessings on someone still in bed. You have to wait for them to get out of bed and become fresh to give all your wishes. Now, that seems like something you can take advantage of and sleep till late.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Avoid_using_Negative_Words\"><\/span><strong>7. Avoid using Negative Words\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media1.giphy.com\/media\/cqhRoXjafu9I9oW9NQ\/giphy.gif?cid=790b76110e3a7dc75c881c882fde74446cb23667e30f9201&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g\" alt=\"avoid using negative words\" width=\"190\" height=\"338\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You don&#8217;t need a list of taboos for the Lunar New Year to tell you to avoid using negative words. Moreover, the start of a year should definitely not have any negative energy or words as it can jinx the year. Replace harsh words like death, ghosts, poverty, and sickness with euphemisms.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Stop_Sweeping_the_Floor\"><\/span><strong>8. Stop Sweeping the Floor<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media2.giphy.com\/media\/3o7TKU8RvQuomFfUUU\/giphy.gif?cid=790b76116510acfe7c29666e8090ddc9b887bdb8c739a8c1&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g\" alt=\"Robin Williams Cleaning GIF by Hollywood Suite\" width=\"374\" height=\"232\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On a regular day, if you tell your mom not to sweep the house, she will shoo you away but not on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/article\/when-is-chinese-new-year\">Chinese New Year<\/a>. Amongst the many superstitions for the CNY festival season, sweeping or taking out the garbage on this day is considered very lucky. It is said, you can take all the good luck and wishes out of the home.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Avoid_Hair_wash_Haircuts\"><\/span><strong>9. Avoid Hair wash &amp; Haircuts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i.giphy.com\/media\/141tg1c25yyMCs\/giphy.webp\" alt=\"Avoid hairwash\" width=\"347\" height=\"257\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Yes, this sounds very absurd. The reason for this Chinese New Year taboo is that the pronunciation of hair (\u53d1, <em>fa) <\/em>in Mandarin is the same as that of fa in facai (\u53d1\u8d22). Thus, meaning to become wealthy. So, washing or cutting hair on the day of the New Year is equivalent to washing your fortunes away.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Put_a_Halt_to_Needlework\"><\/span><strong>10. Put a Halt to Needlework\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i.giphy.com\/media\/VbnxK7fgwA9SWjTNQC\/giphy.webp\" alt=\"Put a Halt to Needlework\u00a0\" width=\"352\" height=\"264\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Put a cross on stitching or any other needlework under the list of things you should not do on CNY. The reason is simple, this work was and is usually done by the women of the house who believed doing such work would lead to a very hard year.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Stay_away_from_Hospitals\"><\/span><strong>11. Stay away from Hospitals\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media0.giphy.com\/media\/t9viLYnxQ3U0Bd1xDx\/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e477sd29hsqxfhlr3yr4s1ta9o97n10xl9s0duvdoqr&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g\" alt=\"Warning No Way GIF by Dr. Andy Roark\" width=\"390\" height=\"219\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For most folk, visiting a hospital is never a pleasant feeling, but altruists love it. Whether you are one or not, you should avoid going to the hospital (only for emergencies) as part of the taboos for the Lunar New Year, as it can put your life in danger with unwanted illnesses.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Never_Give_Lucky_Money_in_Odd_Amounts\"><\/span><strong>12. Never Give Lucky Money in Odd Amounts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media3.giphy.com\/media\/xT1R9EICfQ229jdAKA\/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e472p92dkv0gspoclvltmc8kz8sx9sqhb9accqzyk8s&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g\" alt=\"hey arnold nickelodeon GIF\" width=\"359\" height=\"269\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of the most followed Chinese superstitions for the CNY festival season is to give money only in even numbers and never in odd. They believe that even numbers double the fortune.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_No_Crying_Children\"><\/span><strong>13. No Crying Children<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i.giphy.com\/media\/6Q3M4BIK0lX44\/giphy.webp\" alt=\"Crying boy\" width=\"352\" height=\"230\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Crying children on the festival day are a call to bad luck. Thus, parents and relatives do their best to make sure no young kid cries as it is a serious Chinese New Year taboo.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Avoid_Wearing_White_and_Black\"><\/span><strong>14. Avoid Wearing White and Black\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i.giphy.com\/media\/26gYN1P951scFLL0I\/giphy.webp\" alt=\"Avoid Wearing White and Black\u00a0\" width=\"358\" height=\"201\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The colours white and black in attires during festivals is one of the most important things you should not do on CNY. They are usually worn for funerals, thus casting a dull light on a lovely celebration.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Throw_Away_Damaged_Clothes\"><\/span><strong>15. Throw Away Damaged Clothes\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media0.giphy.com\/media\/kP456mbrV8CnC\/giphy.gif?cid=790b7611d03661a8e6343b0f8aba3c28e1cfe9368d56f05b&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g\" alt=\"Lisa Kudrow Clothes GIF\" width=\"361\" height=\"188\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Since it is the new year, it makes sense to adorn the best attire. Children and adults are encouraged not to wear damaged, worn out or torn clothes and follow this superstition for the CNY festival season religiously.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_Do_not_Lend_or_Borrow_Money\"><\/span><strong>16. Do not Lend or Borrow Money\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i.giphy.com\/media\/yIxNOXEMpqkqA\/giphy.webp\" alt=\"Do not Lend or Borrow Money\" width=\"354\" height=\"263\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The last taboos for the Lunar New Year are to neither borrow nor lend any money to someone. All outstanding debts should be paid on the eve, as doing it on the d-day can bring lots of bad luck.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern_Context_Alternatives\"><\/span><b>Modern Context &amp; Alternatives<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though these taboos come from tradition, many families today take a practical, balanced approach:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health comes first: Medicines and emergencies override superstition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Households prepare in advance: Haircuts, cleaning, and sewing are completed before New Year\u2019s Day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symbolism matters more than strict rules: Many follow taboos lightly to honour tradition without stress.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intent is powerful: a joyful attitude often means more than perfect adherence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Takeaway_Checklist\"><\/span><b>Quick Takeaway Checklist<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dos\"><\/span><b>Do\u2019s<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean the house before New Year\u2019s Day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear new, bright-coloured clothing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use positive words and greetings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare meals in advance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit family after everyone is up and ready<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give even-numbered ang baos<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Donts\"><\/span><b>Don\u2019ts<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t sweep the floor on the first day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t wash or cut your hair<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t break objects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t use sharp tools unnecessarily<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t say negative words<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t wear black or white<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t lend or borrow money<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t let children cry if possible<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chinese New Year taboos reflect cultural values, symbolism, and the desire to welcome good fortune. Whether strictly observed or adapted for modern life, these traditions encourage positivity, mindfulness, and respect for heritage. Understanding them helps you appreciate the celebrations more deeply and begin the year with intention, harmony, and renewed optimism.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q1_Why_are_Chinese_New_Year_taboos_important\"><\/span><strong>Q1. Why are Chinese New Year taboos important?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Chinese New Year taboos preserve cultural beliefs about luck, harmony, and prosperity. They help families welcome the year positively, avoid symbolic misfortune, and stay connected to generations-old traditions still valued today.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q2_What_should_you_avoid_doing_on_the_first_day_of_Chinese_New_Year\"><\/span><strong>Q2. What should you avoid doing on the first day of Chinese New Year?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Avoid sweeping, cleaning, using sharp tools, washing hair, breaking objects, saying negative words, or wearing black or white. These actions are believed to drive away luck or invite misfortune.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q3_Can_you_clean_the_house_during_Chinese_New_Year\"><\/span><strong>Q3. Can you clean the house during Chinese New Year?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Cleaning is avoided on New Year\u2019s Day because it symbolizes sweeping away good luck. Most families complete all cleaning beforehand and resume normal chores only after the first day ends.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q4_Is_it_taboo_to_wear_black_or_white_during_Chinese_New_Year\"><\/span><strong>Q4. Is it taboo to wear black or white during Chinese New Year?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Yes, wearing black or white is typically avoided as these colours are linked to mourning. People prefer bright, vibrant shades to welcome joy, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q5_Are_Chinese_New_Year_taboos_still_followed_in_modern_Singapore\"><\/span><strong>Q5. Are Chinese New Year taboos still followed in modern Singapore?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Yes, but often in a flexible way. Many households follow traditions symbolically while balancing practicality. Families honour cultural values yet adapt taboos to fit contemporary lifestyles and everyday realities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chinese New Year is filled with traditions, symbolism, and long-standing beliefs that guide how families welcome a fresh start. Many people follow these taboos to avoid inviting misfortune and to set an auspicious tone for the year ahead. Below is a clear, structured guide to the most commonly observed Chinese New Year taboos, their meanings, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":19977,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2206],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15111"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15111"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15111\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19961,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15111\/revisions\/19961"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19977"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15111"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15111"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15111"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}