8 questionable superstitions that will keep you second guessing your every move this Chinese New Year

Superstitions are a good mix of beliefs, traditions, and sometimes, very questionable practices that continue to shape people’s activities and choices - particularly, during the Lunar New Year. As irrational as some of these may sound, we hope that you take these superstitions with a pinch of salt as we gear up for the upcoming festivities. 

1. Avoid taking medicine

The first question that will probably come to mind is how then does one recover from a flu? Well, it has been said that consuming medication and herbal remedies on the first day of the Lunar New Year is a huge no go. The next question you might then ask is what happens if you break this rule?

Here’s the ultimatum: You either recover with the medicine you consume this once, or set yourself up for disaster with repetitive sickness for the entire year. This wouldn’t look too good for your paycheck so maybe it’s time to rethink this if you happen to fall sick this festive season.

If this still doesn’t sound as dumbfounding enough, then maybe try smashing your medicine pots to ward off illness this year?

2. Do not clean your house

While this may sound delightful to anyone who has had to do chores on a daily, the thought of not being able to live in a tidy environment doesn’t sound great to us - unless of course you thrive in a messy space.

With beliefs continuing to be at the forefront for many of these superstitions, some believe that cleaning the house can sweep away prosperity and wealth which can be detrimental to the wellbeing of you and your family.

3. No washing your hair

New year, nasty me? This definitely is a big no-no for us. As the Chinese character for hair is the same as the first character in the word for prosperity, washing your hair during the Lunar New Year equates to washing your fortune away which again could affect your prosperity this year. As scary as this sounds, what’s even scarier is not washing your hair before a house visit this Lunar New Year… 

4. Grab the last piece of food on the sharing plate before it’s too late 

If you second-guessed it, fret not – so did we. While Singaporeans see it as the “paiseh piece” that everyone is conscientiously aware of, yet pretends to not care of its existence, it is believed in Thailand that the chances of getting an attractive partner is high.

So perhaps it is something to reconsider, especially for those who are still single and looking for a partner.

5. Open your doors and windows on the eve of the Lunar New Year 

It is said these openings welcome positive energy, and that the gentle breeze at night invites good spirits. We totally know what constitutes a “good” and “bad” spirit now don’t we?

If this doesn’t sound weird enough, what if we told you that doing this allows for a spontaneous visit from Lady Fortune - the God of Wealth, Fortune, and Prosperity. Fresh air, and fortune? Sounds like a double win to me.

6. Do not sleep with your feet towards the door 

If you don’t think that your sleeping position matters, think again. According to the superstition, it has been said that doing so implies that you look like a corpse about to be carried out of the room. So unless you have intentions to become Emily, the Corpse Bride, perhaps you might want to rethink the way you sleep. 

7. Eating loads of sweet snacks

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re in luck! While indulging in treats during this festive season might seem like the devil’s work, it actually symbolises sweet occurrences in the coming year.

So, for all you health freaks, not to worry because this is the one time you’re likely to be forgiven by the health-conscious gods. Besides, who doesn’t love a cheat day?

8. Avoid taking naps

Did someone say beauty nap? No, no one did.

It is believed that taking a nap during this festive period sets a lazy tone and instils a lack of productivity throughout the year. It is thus heavily frowned upon to sleep till late noon on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

If you religiously follow any of these superstitions and wish to continue practising them even after our vast attempt to question the questionability that exists, kudos to you.