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13 Traditional Chinese Superstitions & Beliefs
Chinese culture is deeply rooted in tradition, and superstitions play a significant role in shaping customs, practices, and daily life. These beliefs, passed down through generations, often reflect ancient wisdom, societal values, and a deep respect for balance, fortune, and the supernatural. Below are 13 well-researched Chinese superstitions that continue to influence modern life.
1. The Number 4 Is Bad Luck
The number 4 is considered extremely unlucky in Chinese culture because it sounds similar to the word for “death” (死, pronounced “sǐ”) in Mandarin and Cantonese. Buildings in China often skip the fourth floor, and some people avoid phone numbers or license plates containing the number 4. This superstition is widespread, and the avoidance of the number is often referred to as tetraphobia.
2. The Number 8 Brings Good Fortune
In contrast, the number 8 is seen as very lucky because it sounds like the word for “prosperity” or “wealth” (发, pronounced “fā”). This is why many businesses, addresses, and even important events like weddings and product launches are scheduled around dates that include the number 8. It’s also common for people to pay extra for phone numbers or license plates containing the number 8.
3. Avoid Cutting Hair During the Lunar New Year
It is believed that cutting your hair during the Chinese New Year can “cut off” your good fortune for the coming year. This is why many people ensure they have their hair trimmed before the start of the Lunar New Year, as cutting hair during this period is thought to bring misfortune or financial loss.
4. Sweeping During the Lunar New Year Sweeps Away Wealth
Another common superstition during the Lunar New Year is that sweeping or cleaning the house during the first few days of the new year can sweep away good luck and wealth. Many people clean their homes thoroughly before the new year begins, but once the festivities start, brooms are put away to avoid sweeping away good fortune.
5. Don’t Give Clocks as Gifts
Giving a clock as a gift is considered unlucky in Chinese culture because the phrase for giving a clock (送钟, pronounced “sòng zhōng”) sounds like “attending a funeral” in Chinese. This superstition stems from the association of clocks with the passage of time and death, so it’s best to avoid giving clocks as presents, especially to the elderly.
6. Shoes Are an Inappropriate Gift
In Mandarin, the word for shoes (鞋, pronounced “xié”) sounds like the word for bad luck or evil (邪). This phonetic similarity makes shoes a bad choice for gifts, as they are believed to bring misfortune to the recipient. Additionally, giving shoes might imply that you want the recipient to walk away from your life.
7. Mirrors Attract Spirits
In Chinese culture, mirrors are often believed to be portals to the spirit world, attracting ghosts and negative energies. This is why mirrors are usually avoided in bedrooms, as it is thought that they could disturb one’s sleep or invite spirits. Many people also cover mirrors during a funeral to prevent the deceased’s spirit from becoming trapped.
8. Whistling at Night Invites Spirits
Whistling at night is discouraged because it is believed to attract wandering spirits or malevolent forces. This superstition is particularly strong in rural areas, where it’s thought that spirits are more active after dark and may be lured by the sound of whistling.
9. Pointing at the Moon Causes Misfortune
There is a belief in Chinese culture that pointing at the moon can result in a curse, often taking the form of a cut or injury to your ear. This superstition is thought to arise from the moon’s association with deities or spirits, and pointing at it is seen as disrespectful.
10. Lucky Red Underwear for the Year of Your Zodiac
In Chinese culture, red is the color of good fortune, prosperity, and protection. People born in the year of a specific Chinese zodiac animal are said to be vulnerable to bad luck during their zodiac year (本命年, pronounced “běn mìng nián”). To counteract this, it is common to wear red underwear, red bracelets, or even red clothing to ward off misfortune throughout the year.
11. Lucky Bamboo Brings Prosperity
Bamboo is a common symbol of luck and resilience in Chinese culture. Having a lucky bamboo plant in your home or workplace is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune, especially if it’s placed in the wealth corner of the house, according to Feng Shui principles. The number of stalks in a bamboo arrangement can also symbolize different kinds of luck (e.g., three stalks for happiness, five for wealth).
12. Feng Shui: The Art of Arranging Spaces
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that involves arranging spaces to promote the flow of positive energy (气, pronounced “qì”). The proper arrangement of furniture, decor, and buildings is believed to bring good health, prosperity, and harmony. People consult Feng Shui experts to design their homes, offices, and gardens for optimal energy flow and to avoid misfortune.
13. Umbrellas Shouldn’t Be Opened Indoors
Opening an umbrella indoors is considered bad luck, as it is thought to invite negative spirits or bad energy into the space. In some versions of the superstition, umbrellas are believed to act as shelters for wandering spirits, so opening one indoors might allow these spirits to settle in your home.
Conclusion
Chinese superstitions are deeply embedded in the culture and continue to influence modern-day practices. These beliefs reflect ancient wisdom, symbolizing respect for unseen forces, and emphasize the importance of balance, harmony, and good fortune in daily life. Understanding these superstitions offers insight into Chinese culture and the rich traditions that have endured for centuries.
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