BELIEFS OF CHINESE NEW YEAR

I am sure many of you are familiar with the most famous legend about Chinese New Year. It is about a ferocious beast (monster or whatever) that terrorised the people on the eve of Chinese New Year. This nasty fellow was called "Nien" and was known to eat people on its once a year outing. In order to keep "Nien" away, red paper pieces or couplets are put on and around the doors in the place to protect the household along with torches. Fireworks are also set off to scare the beast away. The monster is known to fear the color red, so the fire is a good way to supposedly frighten it. Because of some local beliefs, sharp instruments should not be used for Yuan Tuan because the Chinese people believe that the knives are sharp enough to cut or remove the good luck of the New Year to come. At the stroke of midnight, the Chinese families greet each other saying "Kung hei" ("I wish you joy"). For the celebrations of the New Year, the Chinese families will tend to wake up early on Yuan Tuan and have the kids open up red packages (called "Hong Bao") containing money.

The term Hung Bao means red packet. There are also tributes made to the late ancestors in the family by burning incense and having firecrackers go off to rid of the evil spirits but it is now a no-no in Malaysia as the stuff is banned here. There are still some who are brave enough to flout the law.

It is also a Chinese belief that when flowers blossom on Yuan Tuan or the first day of the new year, it will bring good luck in the New Year that has just started. Also traditionalists will actually try their best to have all of their debts paid off by Yuan Tuan. A long time ago creditors were allowed to pursue debtors. If by Yuan Tan a debtor has not paid, he will be shamed as well as his family. Nothing should be lent on Yuan Tan day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year. Another belief is if flowers open on New Year's Day it is believed to be a symbol of good luck.

Ah yes, we are oft reminded by our elders to refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words on the first day of the lunar new year. Negative terms and the word "four" (Sei), which sounds like the word for death, should not be uttered. Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are also taboo. References to the past year are also avoided as everything should be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning.
It is also believed that if you cry on New Year's day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.

On New Year's Day, we are not supposed to wash our hair because it would mean washing away good luck for the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy and auspicious colour which symbolises a sunny and bright year ahead.

There are some Chinese who are super duper superstitious and they even consult the Almanac or T'ung shu to find the best time to leave the home and the direction which is most auspicious to head out.
On the first day of the year, the first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year. Also, it is a lucky sign to see or hear songbirds or red-colored birds or swallows.
It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom. So make sure you remember not to greet anyone if you or they are in the bedroom.

Many modern Chinese people today do not believe in the do's and don'ts that I have mentioned above but surprisingly these traditions and customs are still practised. Maybe, out for respect for the elders or for the festive feel. These traditions and customs are kept alive because many Chinese families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with their Chinese roots.