– Broken Tableware
It is considered unlucky to keep broken tableware, such as plates and bowls, as well as old chopsticks. In the context of the Lunar New Year celebrations, which are often associated with wishes for completeness and good fortune, broken items that are no longer intact are believed to bring bad luck and may also pose safety hazards.
Moreover, the New Year is a time for a fresh start, so using new tableware and chopsticks symbolizes new beginnings and brings hope for a year of abundance and ease.
– Wilted or Dead Houseplants
Houseplants play a crucial role in creating a healthy and vibrant living space. They not only purify the air but also add life and freshness to a home. However, wilted or dead plants can detract from the beauty of the home and create a negative ambiance for family members.
Therefore, when doing your year-end cleaning, pay special attention to the condition of your houseplants. If you notice any plants that have wilted or died, promptly remove and replace them with new ones to usher in a positive start to the new year.
– Old Decorations
Traditional Lunar New Year decorations, such as couplets, images of gods of wealth, and the character “Phúc” (meaning “good fortune”), are essential elements in creating a warm and festive atmosphere during the holiday season. However, over time, these decorations may become outdated or even damaged.
During the year-end deep cleaning, removing and replacing old couplets, gods of wealth images, and “Phúc” characters with new ones not only refreshes the ambiance for the new year but also symbolizes leaving behind any bad luck from the previous year, making way for new opportunities, luck, and blessings.
4 Things to Leave Untouched When Cleaning for the New Year
– Main Entrance Door
The main entrance door is considered the gateway to the home and is believed to be the “mouth of qi” in feng shui. Its position and direction greatly influence the energy and fortune of the household. Altering the main door during the lead-up to the Lunar New Year is inadvisable, as this is a significant change that requires careful consideration.
– Ancestral Altar
Ancestral worship is an important custom in Vietnamese culture, and the ancestral altar is a sacred space that represents respect and devotion. During the cleaning process, it is advisable to clean the altar gently without altering its position or arrangement.
– Parents’ Bed
The bed is not just a place for rest but also a private space. Moving the parents’ bed during the cleaning process may cause inconvenience and show a lack of respect for their privacy. Especially for older individuals, changing the position of the bed could disrupt their sleep patterns.
– Kitchen Stove
The kitchen stove is considered the “source of life” for the family and is not just a place for cooking. Although it is customary to send off the Kitchen Gods to heaven on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, it is still inadvisable to move the stove.
According to feng shui beliefs, fire symbolizes prosperity and vitality, and the position and arrangement of the stove are thought to influence the family’s destiny. Therefore, maintaining the stove’s original position and ensuring its cleanliness show respect to the Kitchen Gods and concern for the family’s well-being.
5 Places to Clean During the Year-End
As the Lunar New Year approaches, cleaning the house becomes an essential task. When tidying up for the new year, don’t forget to pay attention to these five areas to ensure a comfortable and hygienic living space for your family:
– Remove Cobwebs from Ceilings
Cobwebs often accumulate in corners and on ceilings, not only affecting the aesthetics of the home but also serving as a breeding ground for bacteria and dust. Removing cobwebs during your year-end cleaning will improve the living environment and protect your family’s health.
– Clean Drains and Dark Corners
These areas are often overlooked but are crucial to maintaining a healthy home. Drains and dark corners can be breeding grounds for bacteria and dust, which may negatively impact the health of your family members.
– Sanitize Toilets and Flush Tanks
Toilets are prone to bacterial growth, so ensure proper ventilation and regular cleaning. During your year-end deep cleaning, don’t forget to sanitize the flush tanks to maintain hygiene.
– Wash Curtains and Bed Linen
Curtains and bed linen are often neglected, but this is an ideal time to give them a thorough wash, especially with the favorable weather conditions.
– Clean Eating Utensils
Ensure that essential eating utensils such as plates, bowls, chopsticks, and dining tables are thoroughly cleaned to welcome guests during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
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