notia
IndoForum Senior A
- No. Urut
- 8464
- Sejak
- 4 Nov 2006
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Taboos and Superstitions of Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is full of symbolism for ushering out the old and ushering in the new one.However, the Lunar New Year isn’t just about the cultural aspects of the year. In feng shui, it also represents a change in time feng shui, known as flying star feng shui. In the days following the New Year, the directions take on new meanings as they relate to time feng shui. This means that some sectors will have difficult energy, others beneficial energy.
While many modern Chinese people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced. These traditions and customs are kept because most families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity.
In the meantime, here are some ideas to help you observe – and make the most of -- the Chinese Lunar New Year :
1.House Cleaning
The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept. Beginning at the door, the dust and rubbish are swept to the middle of the parlor, then placed in the corners and not taken or thrown out until the fifth day. At no time should the rubbish in the corners be trampled upon.
In sweeping, there is a superstition that if you sweep the dirt out over the threshold, you will sweep one of the family away. Also, to sweep the dust and dirt out of your house by the front entrance is to sweep away the good fortune of the family; it must always be swept inwards and then carried out, then no harm will follow. All dirt and rubbish must be taken out the back door.. The good of luck is said to avoid dirty houses. So keep your house clean all year long!
2.Got citrus? Oranges are excellent symbols for the New Year and the Chinese often celebrate the New Year by rolling oranges (symbols of gold) into the house. Place a big bowl of 8, 9, or 10 (the numbers of prosperity!) oranges in the living room or central location in the house next to dishes of nuts or candies to symbolize an abundant, fruitful home.
3.New Year Activities Set Precendent
All debts had to paid by this time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year. Back when tinder and flint were used, no one would lend them on this day or give a light to others.
4.Have a good day. The Chinese believe it’s bad to start the New Year by swearing, yelling at the kids, or getting angry or upset. So, take the day off from worry, anxiety and stress.Bad mood is taboo !! It might not be a bad idea to avoid the newspaper or the TV news! Rent some funny movies to invite fun and enjoyment into your house for the new year!
Everyone should refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words. Negative terms and the word "four" (Ssu), which sounds like the word for death, are not to be uttered. Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo. References to the past year are also avoided as everything should be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning.
If you cry on New Year's day, you will cry all through the year !!! Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.
5.Personal Appearance and Cleanliness
On New Year's Day, we are not suppose to wash our hair because it would mean we would have washed away good luck for the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red s considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year.
Clean the bathroom Make it sparkle. You don't want a nasty mess to greet the next year of your life! Change the sheets and towels Put clean sheets on all the beds on New Year's Eve and clean towels in the bathroom and kitchen. New sheets are even better. And don't forget to empty all trashcans. Don't want last years' trash hanging around, do you?
Clean the car! This is what gets you around during the year.
6.IN WITH THE NEW!
*Fill your pantry and kitchen stock the refrigerator with food and make sure the pantry is also stocked. It is bad feng shui to have an empty refrigerator and pantry.
*Wear new clothes today. New clothes represent the new that you want to be bringing into your life. Put on something red for an extra boost!
*Buy a new plant ! Put a beautiful new plant in the East (health & family relationships) sector of your house or office to symbolize a healthy beginning. You can also display some beautiful flowers here to symbolize your good health in the coming year
7.Fill your wallet You don't want to go into the New Year with an empty wallet. Put some money in your wallet -- or better yet -- go and buy a new wallet (red is the best!) or purse and start your financial off with new energy!
8.More New Year Superstitions
*For those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction which is most auspicious to head out...hm, this sounds very complicated
*Among the traditions is a ban on cooking in the kitchen on the first day of the Lunar New Year. This is because it's considered back luck to have sharp objects such as knives and scissors out. Cooking – and having to cut things – could possibly cut off the good fortune for the rest of the year. So, why not give the kitchen a rest and take your family out for your meals this Chinese New Year?
*The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year. It is a lucky sign to see or hear songbirds or red-colored birds or swallows.
*It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom so that is why everyone, even the sick, should get dressed and sit in the living room.
GONG XI FA CHAI !!!
