In many households that celebrate the Lunar New Year, the holiday isn’t just about fireworks, family dinners, or “Hong bao (红包)” (red envelopes stuffed with cash)—it’s also about what not to do.
Passed down through generations, these traditions are rooted in symbolism, language, and a deep belief in starting the year off right. Even today, many families still follow them, not necessarily out of superstition, but as a way of honoring culture and setting intentions for the year ahead.
Here are a few of the most well-known (and often surprising) customs:
You Shouldn’t Wash Your Hair on New Year’s Day
One of the most commonly observed traditions is avoiding washing your hair on the first day of the new year.
In Chinese, the word for “hair” (发, fa) sounds similar to the word for “prosper” or “wealth.” Washing it is thought to symbolically wash away good fortune—something no one wants to risk at the very start of the year.
Because of this, many people will wash their hair the night before instead, making sure they enter the new year feeling fresh without jeopardizing their luck.
No Sweeping or Taking Out the Trash
Cleaning is encouraged before the new year—but once it begins, the rules change.
Sweeping the floor or taking out the trash on New Year’s Day is believed to “sweep away” or discard incoming luck and prosperity. In some homes, even small tasks like wiping surfaces are avoided for the first day or two.
The idea is simple: Whatever enters your life at the beginning of the year should be allowed to stay.
Avoid Saying Negative Words
Language carries weight during Chinese New Year, and certain words are avoided altogether. So, anything associated with:
- bad luck
- death
- loss
- or negativity
is considered especially inauspicious during the holiday.
Instead, people go out of their way to use positive phrases—wishing each other happiness, success, and prosperity. It’s a reminder of how closely tied language and intention are in many Asian cultures.
Don’t Break Anything (and If You Do, There’s a Fix)
Accidents happen, but during Chinese New Year, breaking something like a plate or glass is considered a bad omen, symbolizing broken relationships or misfortune.
If it does happen, there’s a traditional way to soften the blow.
People might quickly say a phrase like “岁岁平安” (suì suì píng ān), which means “peace year after year,” to counteract the negative symbolism and restore balance.
Wearing Red Is More Than Just Festive
You’ll notice that red is everywhere during Chinese New Year—from clothing to decorations to envelopes. That’s because red symbolizes:
- luck
- happiness
- protection
Wearing red is believed to ward off bad energy and invite good fortune, which is why many people make it a point to incorporate it into their outfits, especially on New Year’s Day.
A Fresh Start
While some of these traditions may sound strict or even superstitious, they all point back to a shared idea: the beginning of the year sets the tone for what follows.
Whether it’s avoiding certain actions, choosing words carefully, or surrounding yourself with symbols of luck, the goal is the same—to create a positive, intentional start. And even for those who don’t follow every tradition, the mindset behind them still resonates.
Because at its core, Chinese New Year isn’t just about luck—it’s about being mindful of how you begin again.