Chinese New Year Do’s and Don’ts

Seeing that Chinese New Year is just a few days away, here are some Chinese customs to ensure a prosperous and lucky year. Most of the Chinese believe to be customary do’s and don’ts to usher in the new year, so they can with the best luck on their side.

This list is not exhaustive because I believe there are many Chinese customs out there which I don’t know and probably some contradicting views too. However, this is the best collection I’m able to find from my grandmother tales I’ve heard and from searches on the web.

Chinese New Year do’s :

-     Do clean house before the Chinese New Year.

-     Do speak only good words during Chinese New Year.

-     Do wear bright clothing to the New Year festivities.

-     Do place bamboo or a money tree in your home. Bamboo represents longevity. The money tree (pachira macrocarpa) helps ensure a wealthy year. Decorate it with small paper ornaments of coins and fruit.

-     Do pay off all your debts before CNY.

-     Do greet your relatives, neighbors, and friends and wish them well.

-     Give red envelopes with lucky money to children and unmarried people.

Chinese New Year don’ts:

-    Don’t eat all the fishes, save some fishes until last day of CNY.

-    Don’t speak of sad things. If anything sad is mentioned during CNY, it may happen that year.

-    Don’t sweep or dust on the first day of CNY. It might sweep away the good fortune.

-    Don’t wear black during CNY celebrations because it usually wears for sad days, such as funerals.

-    Don't wash your hair on the first day of Chinese New Year. or you will wash away any good luck for the new year.

-    Don’t use sharp cutting objects like knives and scissors on New Year’s Day. You may be cutting away your wealth for the New Year.

-    Don’t lend money to anyone on New Year’s Day. That could have you lending all year

-    Don’t break any objects, especially breakables like glass in the home during Chinese New Year. It is considered bad luck.


You also can find out more about Chinese New Year Festivals by clicking here.