CNY 101: Superstitions and Unusual Traditions For a Prosperous Year

Plenty of years ago, when our ancestors roamed the earth, they came up with a set of beliefs and customs that have since trickled down through the generations. Although many of these practices have been altered with the passing of hands, a good number of superstitions and traditions have somehow managed to anchor themselves even in our culture today.

CHINESE NEW YEAR TRADITIONS

You know the usual - wear red, avoid sweeping, give mandarin oranges in pairs, don't touch anything with sharp edges. But did you know that there's more than meets the eye? Since our ancestors have us believe that Chinese New Year sets precedence for the rest of the year, the following tips will help you play your cards right in 2019!

DECORATING YOUR HOME

1. Mystic knots with gold coins

The mystic knot is a curious thing. It's fashioned in a manner where there seems to be no beginning and end - just like an infinity symbol ∞ if you will. The continuous loops symbolize a never-ending cycle of auspicious energy and harmony. This Chinese New Year, choose the ones with gold coins, and you may just get 13 months of bonuses instead of your usual 13th month!

2. Place 9 oranges in the kitchen

Say "9" aloud in Mandarin, and you get "jíu" (久), which translates to 'everlasting'. Placing 9 oranges in your kitchen, where your warm meals are prepared, will earn you a permanent abundance of good luck and prosperity this year.

Apparently, ghosts and evil spirits that seek to steal your provisions are afraid of citrus fruits. You know what to do!

HOSTING GUESTS THIS CHINESE NEW YEAR

3. Prepare auspicious food for your guests

Food symbolism is so fascinating. Different snacks and ingredients represent different blessings - some based on their appearance (e.g. dumplings resemble gold ingots, and hence represent wealth), and others based on folklore (e.g. nian gao (年糕) to bribe the Kitchen Deity for a good report to the Jade Emperor).

If you need help preparing your Chinese New Year reunion feast, here're some other ideas:

4. Don't throw out trash until CNY day 5

We've all been warned by our moms not to do any sweeping during CNY because it's akin to sweeping out your good fortune. But did you know that you're not even supposed to throw anything in the bins? Guard your prosperity by leaving rubbish in the corners of your house - until the 5th day, that is. Good luck to those who are hygiene freaks!

VISITING RELATIVES & FRIENDS

5. Don't visit anyone on CNY day 3

Legend has it that on this day, the heavenly Red Dog will be released into the streets. Some call it the Deity of Blazing Wrath, which explains why pantang folks would rather stay at home than go outside and run into it.

Why a pet would be this furious bewilders us. But some believe his aggressive temperament can affect those who incur his fury and become easily angered in return. In this day and age, more modern people take it as an outdated superstition and use the 3rd day to visit family and share delicious meals with their loved ones.

6. Don't greet anyone in their bedroom

Socially known as a private area, the bedroom is where a guest intrusion is perceived as impolite. And when we cross into our host's personal space, we create an opportunity for annoyance to be harboured.

With CNY being a festive occasion where peace and harmony are celebrated, it's best that we help prevent such situations from happening. Wait for our host to leave the bedroom, and then greet him or her with every auspicious four-lettered phrase you can think of.

OTHER PRACTICES

7. Beware of the porridge

Porridge may be lovely comfort food, but it also has the unfortunate reputation of being the only food people can afford when they're financially troubled. The same goes for tofu and bitter gourd.

Sound finances ultimately boil down to wise stewardship; but if you believe CNY to set precedence over the rest of the year, starting your new beginning with eating food associated with poverty and misfortune might seem like a terrible omen.

8. Open all doors and windows on CNY day 1 00:00

The entrances of every home are seen as auspicious gateways for blessings and good fortune. Many believe that opening your doors and windows will allow the bad memories and experiences of the old year to exit, and make way for new fortunes that the new year will bring.

Singapore is relatively safe so you can leave your doors and windows wide open. You can never be too sure though, so do stick around and watch those doors!

This article was first published on Shopback.