What are three don'ts on Chinese New Year's day?

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is around the corner, and this festival marks a fresh start filled with joy, family reunions, and hopes for prosperity and happiness. This year Chinese New Year will be falling on 17th Feb 2026 and will continue till 3rd March 2026. Rooted in ancient Chinese culture, there are many rituals that make this festival a way of attracting joy, peace and wealth into the family. However, there are many superstitions as well that are believed to attract misfortune and bad luck.

Avoid sweeping or cleaning




It is believed that one must avoid sweeping the floor or cleaning the house on the first day of the New Year, and it is strictly believed to be taboo. This is because cleaning the house symbolizes brushing away the good luck and wealth that ushered in the new lunar cycle. This act is believed to expel positive energy and fortune from the home, leading to financial hardship throughout the year. Families often tidy up before the eve to ensure prosperity stays rooted.

Skip washing hair or clothes

Another taboo is to avoid washing hair or clothes on the first day, as it is discouraged because water represents wealth in Chinese beliefs, and doing so is thought to "wash away" good fortune, homophonically linking "hair" (fà) to prosperity (fācái). It is also believed to honor the Water God's "birthday" on the first two days, and avoiding it can disrespect them and could invite scarcity or bad health.

Refrain from unlucky words

As per ancient Chinese beliefs, using negative words like death,sickness, loss or poverty is prohibited, as it is believed to summon and attract misfortunes into the year and invoke bad energy during the auspicious time. Even children's slips prompt gentle corrections to maintain harmony. Positive speech sets a tone for attracting blessings and peace.
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