According to the instructions from the elderly, there are six actions to avoid on the first day of the Lunar New Year to ensure a prosperous and peaceful new year. At the same time, there are three foods that should not be consumed on this day to bring luck and prosperity for the whole year.
The Elderly’s Advice on 6 Things Not to Do on the First Day of Lunar New Year
Avoid sweeping with a broom: According to legend, sweeping with a broom on the first day of the new year will take away wealth, the symbol of prosperity in the upcoming year. Therefore, the elderly advise against using a broom to sweep or clean the house on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Avoid throwing out garbage: Throwing out garbage on the first day of the Lunar New Year is considered to take away luck, which may affect fortune throughout the year. With the desire for luck in the new year, the elderly advise against cleaning and throwing out garbage on this day.
Avoid pouring out wastewater: Water is considered a symbol of “wealth”, and pouring out wastewater may signify losing “fortunate riches”. Therefore, the elderly advise against pouring out wastewater on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Avoid breaking utensils, kitchen tools: Avoid breaking utensils and kitchen tools on the first day of the Lunar New Year to ensure a peaceful and smooth new year. Breaking utensils is seen as a symbol of “losing money”, while breaking kitchen tools is considered a symbol of “losing a job”.
Avoid traveling far: On the first day of the new year, the elderly hope that the whole family can gather together and create joyful, warm, and close moments. Therefore, they advise against long-distance travel on the first day of the Lunar New Year to avoid a cold and empty family atmosphere.
Avoid lending money to others: On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the elderly advise against lending money to others as it may affect “financial fortune” in the new year. With the desire for abundant financial resources in the new year, people usually avoid lending money on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
The Elderly’s Advice on 3 Foods Not to Eat on the First Day of Lunar New Year
Avoid eating pickled vegetables and porridge: Pickled vegetables and porridge are usually seen as symbols of poverty and monotony. Therefore, people often avoid eating these types of foods on Tet, especially on the first day of the Lunar New Year, with the hope that life in the new year will be prosperous and diverse.
Avoid eating bitter or “bitter” foods: Foods with a bitter taste or the word “bitter” in their names are often seen as symbols of “bad luck”. The elderly often advise against eating these foods on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Avoid eating things with unpleasant or “unlucky” odors: Durian and shrimp paste, with their unpleasant smells and sharp shapes, are often considered unlucky. Therefore, the elderly often advise against eating them on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
In addition, dishes such as “squid” and “balut” are also recommended to be avoided on the first day of the Lunar New Year to avoid “bad luck” or “chaos” throughout the year.
Wishing you a happy Lunar New Year and hoping that everyone will have a good and fulfilling year.
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