As early as now, I’d like to greet everyone Xin Nian Kuai Le! 😀 Kung Hei Fat Choi! 😀

Since it’s New Year’s Eve tonight in the Chinese calendar, I’m sharing here some popular superstitions in welcoming the new year. Well, I’m not saying that we all need to do these. It’s just what my family and other Chinese families believe in. I admit though, I don’t really practice everything. It’s really up to the person what he/ she feels right. Well,  personally, there’s no harm in believing in superstitions and doing these Chinese customs. Who knows, it might give you lots of luck this year of the rabbit! 😀

  • First, clean the house before new year for a fresh start. Again, BEFORE NEW YEAR since sweeping on new year’s day is like sweeping luck.
  • Wear red for happiness and gold for wealth on New Year’s day.
  • Light firecrackers since it is believed to drive away evil spirits.
  • Display fresh, blooming flowers inside the house for prosperity.
  • Have a new pair of slippers that you can wear on New Year’s day.
  • Eat tangerines or oranges to represent good health.
  • Get a haircut/ trim for good luck.
  • Don’t wash your hair on New Year’s day as this would wash away your luck or fortune.
  • Place money under your pillow while you sleep. It’s said to bring wealth.
  • For those who are married, give Ang Pao or Hóng Bao (red envelope with money) to your children and/or other unmarried relatives. (This is my favorite since I’m still a receiver. LOL!)
  • Of course, Chinese New Year won’t be complete without a celebration. Usually, Chinese families get together for dinner to celebrate the year ahead. 🙂 Of course, various Chinese food have different meanings as well. For example, eating “tikoy” or sticky rice cake is believed to keep the family close because of its sticky texture.

These are only some of the Chinese traditions that I grew up with. Again, it’s all up to you if you wanna join the club! LOL! There’s no harm in trying. It might just help in attracting good luck. 😉