Why is it considered inauspicious to move house in the twelfth lunar month?
Moving into a new house is a significant event that holds a lot of importance in Vietnamese culture and feng shui. The saying, “There is worship, there is sacredness; there is avoidance, there is peace” reflects the belief that certain taboos surrounding moving into a new house must be observed to avoid displeasing the deities and losing the family’s fortune.
In the past, moving house was a momentous occasion for any family. From a climatic perspective, the twelfth lunar month (December) tends to be rather chilly. If one were to move during this time, the cold atmosphere would hinder positive energy from entering the new home, resulting in a certain level of dampness. People living in such conditions might experience cold hands and feet, which could lead to health issues.
In terms of feng shui, finding a piece of land with good geomantic qualities was of utmost importance to our ancestors. Additionally, the design of the house, including the placement of internal structures and the direction the entrance faced, were all carefully considered, making the entire process quite time-consuming. Finding an auspicious date, consulting a feng shui master, and hiring an interior designer all contributed to the lengthy process of relocating.
As the twelfth lunar month approaches the Lunar New Year, it is traditionally a time to visit relatives and friends. In the old days, communication technology was not as advanced as it is today, so it was challenging to inform everyone of a change of address.
Given the short time frame, it was unlikely that friends and family would be able to locate the new house, especially considering the emphasis our ancestors placed on superstitions. Thus, the saying, “Do not move house in the twelfth month” came to be.
The proverb “Do not move house in the twelfth month, do not cut hair in the first month” encapsulates the wisdom and life experiences of our ancestors. It has been passed down through generations and remains relevant and valuable today. (Illustrative image)
Why is it considered unlucky to cut hair in the first lunar month?
There is an old saying that goes, “Shaving your head in the first month brings bad luck to your uncle.”
Why does shaving one’s head in the first month of the year bring misfortune to one’s uncle? This belief stems from the practice of wearing hair braids during the Qing Dynasty. During this period, to distinguish themselves from the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty established new standards for dress and appearance.
While everyone eventually adopted the custom of braiding their hair, many people still longed for the days of the Ming Dynasty. As a result, the phrase “shaving your head and reminiscing about the past” became popular. However, the phrase “reminiscing about the past” was misinterpreted as “thinking of the dead,” and the word “uncle” was mistakenly associated with “uncleanness.”
Despite being based on misinformation, this belief has persisted and spread over the years. This can be attributed to the respect shown by younger generations to their elders, who advised against shaving one’s head in the first month, claiming that it would bring harm to one’s uncle. Out of concern for their uncles’ well-being, people adhered to this advice, and the practice became a long-standing tradition.
Furthermore, the cold weather during the first month made it impractical to cut hair. According to ancient customs, shaving one’s head during this time was considered unfavorable for uncles and aunts.
In some northern regions, cutting hair on the full moon of the first lunar month is strictly forbidden. Therefore, people would shave their heads before the twelfth lunar month and refrain from cutting their hair or using scissors throughout the first month.
Additionally, it is considered inauspicious to cut hair on the first day of the lunar month, as it is believed that doing so will result in the depletion of wealth and prosperity for the rest of the month.
Cutting hair is symbolic of severing ties with good fortune and virtue, and it is thought to deplete one’s vital energy, leading to various ailments.
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