Beliefs and Traditions

13 Feb 2011 - We are now more than a week into the Year of the Rabbit and it has been so far so good. Ther are beliefs and traditions regarding luck and prosperity during the Chinese New Year period. Unfounded or not, many Chinese people practise these beliefs without question believing it is better to be safe than sorry. For example, every Chinese family cleans the entire house in the days before the New Year as it is considered bad luck to sweep or clean the house on the first day of the new year. They would not want to sweep their fortunes away. I was told some even apply this to washing their hair. Foul language, scolding and crying are to be avoided on the first day as is the use of sharp instruments such as knives and scissors. Care must be taken not to break any dishes or things. If you do, the broken pieces must be kept and only thrown away the following day. Chinese businesses usually close during the first days, only opening again on the fifth day. All business debts must be settled  and nothing should be lent on the first day as anyone who does will be lending the entire year.