In the intricate tapestry of Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, certain myths and superstitions hold particular significance, adding depth and meaning to the festive customs. Superstitions with various beliefs all contribute to ensuring a smooth transition into the new year. 

Hongbao (Red envelopes)

The exchange of red envelopes, known as "hongbao" in Mandarin, is a cherished and symbolic tradition deeply woven into the fabric of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration. These red packets, often adorned with intricate gold designs and characters conveying good wishes, carry cultural significance, and are exchanged to bestow blessings and foster goodwill.

The colour red holds special importance in Chinese culture, representing good luck, prosperity, and happiness. The act of gifting red envelopes is believed to bring positive energy and fortune to the giver and the receiver. It is a gesture that transcends generations, fostering a sense of familial and communal connection. 

The tradition of giving red envelopes is also rooted in the folklore of warding off evil spirits. According to ancient legends, there was a ferocious demon named "Sui" that terrorised children during the Lunar New Year. However, it was discovered that the demon feared the colour red and loud noises. As a result, the practice of putting money in red envelopes and setting off firecrackers emerged as a way to protect children from the evil spirit.

In modern times, the act of giving red envelopes has evolved beyond familial ties to encompass broader social circles. Friends may exchange hongbao to express good wishes for the coming year. The amount of money enclosed is less about the monetary value and more about the symbolic well-wishing gesture it represents, and the collective desire for prosperity and good fortune.

Cleaning the house

Cleaning the house before the Lunar New Year is a deeply ingrained superstition rooted in the belief that cleansing will rid the home of any accumulated bad luck and negative energy from the past year. This pre-New Year cleaning ritual is a symbolic act that carries cultural significance, emphasising the importance of starting the new lunar cycle with a fresh and clean environment.

In Chinese culture, cleanliness is associated with virtue and order, and the act of cleaning the house serves as a physical and spiritual purification. The process involves sweeping away dust and clearing clutter, signifying the removal of any residual misfortune or negative influences. It is believed that by creating a clean and harmonious living space, one invites good luck, positive energy, and prosperity into the home for the coming year.

Another aspect of this superstition involves refraining from sweeping or cleaning on the first day of the Lunar New Year itself. It is believed that doing so on this auspicious day might inadvertently sweep away the newly arrived good fortune and luck. Instead, families focus on maintaining a joyous and festive atmosphere, allowing the positive energy to settle in.

The tradition of cleaning the house before the Lunar New Year is a communal effort, with families coming together to do this. It reinforces the cultural values of unity, renewal, and the collective pursuit of prosperity. As brooms sweep away the remnants of the old year, the home becomes a place for positive energy, setting the stage for a harmonious and auspicious beginning to the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Cut your hair and settle all debts

It is widely believed that getting a haircut during the first month of the lunar calendar could bring about bad luck, as the word for "hair" in Chinese sounds similar to the word for "wealth." Cutting one's hair during this period might be seen as cutting off one's prosperity. As a result, many people choose to have their hair trimmed in the weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year, ensuring a fresh start and positive energy as they enter the new lunar cycle.

Another notable tradition is the settling of all debts before the start of the Lunar New Year. The belief is grounded in the idea that entering the new year with outstanding debts could bring financial difficulties and negative energy. Families strive to repay loans and clear any outstanding obligations, aiming to start the year with a clean slate. This practice reflects the importance of financial stability and responsible behaviour, reinforcing the cultural values associated with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Fill up your pantry or rice pot

The customary practice of having a full pantry or a full rice pot during Chinese Lunar New Year is rooted in the belief that having an abundance of food, particularly staples like rice and other essential ingredients, signifies prosperity, wealth, and a bountiful harvest for the coming year.

The full pantry or rice pot symbolises the assurance of having enough to eat throughout the year. Rice, as a staple food in many Asian cultures, holds special significance. A full rice pot is reflects a household's ability to provide for its member. It's a tangible expression of the wish for prosperity to overflow, much like the rice overflowing from a filled pot.

Beyond the practical aspect of ensuring there is enough food for the family, the custom also emphasises the importance of generosity and hospitality. A well-stocked pantry allows the host to be prepared for unexpected guests, and to extend hospitality by offering food to friends and relatives who may visit during the festive season. This act of sharing food further reinforces the communal spirit of the Lunar New Year celebrations.It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.