– Broken Tableware
Broken or chipped plates and bowls, along with old chopsticks, should not be kept. In folk belief, celebrating the Lunar New Year is often associated with wishes for completeness and good luck. Broken items that are no longer intact will not bring good omens 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 every family’s living space. They not only purify the air but also bring vitality and freshness. However, wilted or dead plants can detract from the beauty of the home and create a negative atmosphere for family members.
Therefore, when doing the year-end cleaning, pay special attention to the condition of your houseplants. If you find any that are wilted or dead, 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 the God of Wealth, and the character “Phúc” (meaning “good fortune”) are usually indispensable during the festive season, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere in the home. However, over time, these decorations can become outdated and even damaged.
During the year-end deep cleaning, removing the old couplets, God of Wealth images, and “Phúc” characters to replace them with new ones will not only bring a cheerful atmosphere to the new year but also symbolize leaving behind any bad luck from the previous year, making way for good fortune and blessings in the coming year.
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 the “mouth of qi” for the family. Its position and direction greatly influence the feng shui and energy of the house. Changing the main door close to the Lunar New Year is inappropriate, as this is a significant matter that requires careful consideration.
– Ancestral Altar
Worshipping deities or ancestors is a long-standing custom in Vietnamese culture, and the ancestral altar is a sacred space that shows respect and devotion. During the cleaning process, simply clean the altar 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 can be inconvenient and disrespectful of their privacy. Especially for older individuals, changing the bed position may disrupt their sleep.
– Kitchen Stove
The kitchen stove is not just a place for cooking but is also considered the “source of life” for the family. Although the Kitchen Gods are usually sent off to heaven on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, moving the stove is still not advisable.
According to feng shui beliefs, fire symbolizes prosperity and vitality, and the position and arrangement of the stove are believed to influence the family’s destiny. Therefore, keeping the stove in its original position and ensuring its cleanliness are essential, showing respect to the Kitchen God and concern for the family’s health.
5 Places to Clean During the Year-End
In the lead-up to the Lunar New Year, house cleaning becomes an important task that cannot be overlooked. And when cleaning for the new year, don’t forget these five places to ensure a comfortable and hygienic living space for the whole family:
– Clear Cobwebs from Ceilings
Cobwebs often appear in the corners and on the ceilings of homes, not only affecting the aesthetics but also becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and dust. Removing cobwebs during the cleaning process will improve the living space and protect your family’s health.
– Clean Drains and Dark Corners
These areas are easily overlooked but crucial. Drains and dark corners tend to accumulate dust and bacteria, which can affect the health of family members.
– Sanitize Toilets and Flush Tanks
Toilets are breeding grounds for bacteria, so ensure proper ventilation and regular cleaning. During the year-end deep cleaning, don’t forget to scrub the flush tanks to maintain hygiene.
– Wash Curtains and Bed Linen
Curtains and bed linen are often neglected, but this is the ideal time to give them a good wash, especially with favorable weather conditions.
– Sanitize Eating Utensils
Essential items such as plates, bowls, chopsticks, and dining tables should be thoroughly cleaned to welcome guests during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
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