What Not To Do On Chinese New Year

Let’s be real—Chinese New Year is a glorious, chaotic, and wildly superstitious affair. It’s a time for red envelopes, family feasts, and dodging your auntie’s relentless questions about your love life. But beneath the festive veneer lies a minefield of ancient taboos that can supposedly jinx your entire year. Don’t panic; we’ve got you covered with a stress-free guide to surviving the Lunar New Year without accidentally summoning bad luck.

No Cleaning, No Crying, No Clipping

First up: do not sweep the floor on New Year’s Day. According to tradition, sweeping literally chases away your good fortune. If you must tidy, sweep inward toward the center of the room, and hide the dust until day two.

Also, keep the scissors and nail clippers locked away. Cutting anything—hair, nails, fabric—is said to snip away your prosperity. Think of it as a mandatory day of zero self-improvement.

And whatever you do, don’t cry. Tears on the first day are believed to set a sorrowful tone for the next twelve months. So if you burn the dumplings or drop the lucky rice cake, just laugh it off.

The Red Envelope Rules You Might Break

Giving hongbao is an art form with strict etiquette. Never give crisp new bills in amounts that contain the number four—it sounds like “death” in Chinese. Stick to even numbers like 6 (smoothness) or 8 (prosperity).

Also, avoid giving cash in odd amounts unless you’re gifting funeral money. That means no $5 or $15 envelopes. And please, don’t give coins—it’s the equivalent of pocket change, and you’ll look cheap.

Fun fact: Married couples give red envelopes to single people and children. If you’re single and over 18, expect to receive them—and remember to accept with both hands and a cheerful “Gong Xi Fa Cai.”

Kitchen No-Nos (And What to Eat Instead)

You’ll be tempted to cook porridge or congee as a cozy breakfast. Don’t. White porridge symbolizes poverty, and eating it on New Year’s day is like asking for a year of lean times. Save it for regular Tuesdays.

Another kitchen blunder: serving fish whole but flipping it over. In Chinese culture, flipping a fish (or a boat) represents capsizing your luck. Instead, eat the top side, then gently lift the bone off before enjoying the bottom.

Dumplings are a must—they look like ancient silver ingots. The more you eat, the more wealth you’ll supposedly swallow. Just don’t fill them with bitter melon or radish, which can symbolize hardship.

Clothing Colors That Scream ‘Bad Vibes’

Red is the power color of the holiday—it wards off a mythical beast called Nian. But never wear white or black, as both are associated with mourning and funerals. Even your underwear counts.

If you’re not a red person, opt for gold, pink, or bright green. Avoid navy blue and deep grey, which feel too somber. And yes, your socks matter—step into the new year with auspicious colors on your feet.

Fun fact: In ancient times, people hung red scrolls on their doors to scare away Nian, who was afraid of loud noises and the color red. That’s also why you hear firecrackers everywhere—fake it till you make it with a party popper if you’re indoors.

The Art of Visiting (Without Annoying Everyone)

When you visit family or friends, always enter with your right foot first. It’s a small gesture that symbolizes a step toward good fortune. And don’t knock three times—that’s connected to funerals.

Never show up empty-handed. A bag of oranges (symbolizing wealth) or tangerines (symbolizing luck) is perfect. But avoid pears, because the word for “pear” sounds like “separation.” And don’t give clocks—ever. The phrase “giving a clock” sounds like “attending a funeral.”

If you receive a gift, don’t open it in front of the giver. That’s considered greedy. Just smile, thank them twice, and hide it away until they leave.

Words That Will Kill the Vibe

Certain phrases are basically verbal grenades. Avoid saying the word “four” (again, death), “broken,” “empty,” or “death.” Instead, use “success,” “abundance,” and “smooth sailing.”

If you break a plate or a glass—and it happens—quickly say “Suì suì píng ān” which means “peace every year.” The word for “break” sounds like “year,” so you’re turning a disaster into a blessing.

Also, don’t talk about ghosts, illness, or money problems. Keep conversations light, happy, and future-focused. Imagine your words are like seeds—plant only the ones you want to grow.

Pets, Phones, and Other Surprise Taboos

Is your pet’s name “Casper” or “Boo”? Might want to avoid calling them loudly during the holiday. Discussing spirits or the supernatural is considered inviting them into your home.

Don’t take out the trash on New Year’s Day. You’re literally throwing away your luck. Bag it up, keep it inside, and wait until day two. And do not nap on the first day—it’s seen as slothful and invites laziness all year.

Lastly, keep your phone fully charged. You’ll need it to send endless “Gong Xi Fa Cai” texts—but don’t send them after midnight. Late-night well-wishes are considered tacky and desperate.

The Bottom Line: Lighten Up, Live Big

Look, no one is going to hex their year by accidentally wearing a grey shirt. These traditions are cultural touchstones, not rigid laws. They exist to remind us to be mindful, intentional, and bond with loved ones.

The real spirit of Chinese New Year isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. So if you sneeze during dinner or drop your chopsticks, just laugh. The universe probably won’t send a tax audit your way.

In the rush of modern life, these little rituals are a gentle nudge: pause, be present, and choose joy. After all, the best luck you can create is the happiness you share.