CNY superstitions to take note of for a lucky start to the Year of the Snake

Topping the list, 32% of respondents believe in avoiding sweeping the floor on Chinese New Year’s Day. It’s thought that sweeping could symbolically “sweep away” your luck and prosperity for the year.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, many are following long-held superstitions that are believed to bring prosperity and harmony. From the clothes you wear to the things you do; these traditions help set the tone for a fun Year of Snake.

A recent survey by Preply, a language learning platform, gathered insights from over 1,000 Singapore residents to uncover some of the most widely believed superstitions around the Lunar New Year. Let’s look at the biggest superstitions that many hold close to their hearts.

*While the survey is based on responses in Singapore, HRO believes the content remains relevant to our readers across Asia and the world who celebrate Lunar New Year.

1) Sweeping the floor
Topping the list, 32% of respondents believe in avoiding sweeping the floor on Chinese New Year’s Day. It’s thought that sweeping could symbolically “sweep away” your luck and prosperity for the year.

To sidestep bad fortune, cleaning is typically done before the celebrations begin, leaving positive energy for the New Year.

2) Wearing red
A close second, 27% of respondents swear by wearing red during the Lunar New Year. Red is the colour of luck, happiness, and fresh start, making it a key element of the festivities. From clothing to red lanterns and ang bao, this vibrant colour is also said to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune.

3) Avoid wearing black and white
Tied at 25%, the superstition of avoiding black and white stems from their association with mourning and funerals. Wearing these colours during the Lunar New Year is believed to invite bad luck or sadness into the year, so many steer clear of them during the celebrations.

4) Speaking negatively
At 25% as well, avoiding negative words is a widely observed superstition. The belief is that words carry energy, and speaking negatively during the Lunar New Year could invite misfortune or bad energy into your life. Many refrains from speaking inauspicious words such as “die”, “bad luck”, “poverty” or “sick” to prevent family members from falling sick. Instead, many make an effort to speak positively to set the tone for a prosperous year ahead.

These superstitions continue to play a significant role in the Lunar New Year celebrations.

On behalf of everyone at HRO, we wish you a prosperous and joyous Lunar New Year!

Infographic/ Preply

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