2020 is a year of the Rat, starting from January 25th, 2020 and lasting until February 11th, 2021. Every culture has its taboos and myths, Dos and Don'ts. I was fascinated by these 10 Dos and Don'ts of Chinese New Year.
1. Don't sweep or take out the garbage.
The act of sweeping on this day is associated with sweeping wealth away. Taking out garbage symbolises dumping out the good luck or good fortune from the house.
2. Don't wash or cut your hair.
On the First day of New Year, leave your hair as it is. The Chinese character for hair is the same first character in the word for prosper. Therefore, it is seen as not a good thing to wash or cut one's fortune away at the beginning of the New Year.
3. Don't buy books
If you're a keen reader, you better to stock up on your books and magazines before the Lunar New Year, because it's bad luck to buy them during the 15-day Spring Festival.
The Chinese word for "book" sounds the same as the word for "lose", so, buying a book in the New Year is considered bringing bad luck in your home. Also, don't give books as gifts to anyone.
4. Don't use needles or other sharp objects
There are two reasons behind this rule:
1) to give women a break from their sewing and needlework;
2) sharp objects were believed to cut your stream of success and prosperity.
5. Don't borrow money
Anyone who does so is believed to be unlucky all year.
6. Don't give certain gifts.
Don't give certain gifts, like pears, clocks, scissors and books - these have bad meaning in Chinese culture.
7. Do clean your home
Mop, scrub and sweep before midnight on Lunar New Year eve to rid your home of any bad luck that is accumulated over the past year.
It's also wise to settle debts before the New Year. It is believed if you start the year in dept, you'll likely end the year that way.
8. Do eat dumplings
Eating dumplings around is a popular tradition as the Chinese word for dumplings is similar to the word for new, replacing the old. Do we really need a reason? They are delicious.
Year of Rat Installation at Darling Square
The money in red envelopes is the lucky money or New Year's money. This money is believed to be the money to anchor the year(s).
Elders pass on a year of blessing and good fortune to the children by giving the money.
10. Do drink Tusu Spring Festive Wine
Tusu is a type of white wine and is one of the drinks specific to the Chinese New Year. This wine is often in traditional Chinese medicine.
Take a sip of this rich drink during this festive season.
