The Vietnamese still believe that if they encounter good luck and fortune at the beginning of the new year, they will have a smooth and peaceful year ahead. Superstitions dictate that one should refrain from doing anything unlucky during this time, as committing a major taboo could bring misfortune for the entire year.
Additionally, many people wonder about other New Year superstitions. For instance, is it okay to cut hair on the first day of the year, eat eggs, visit a bereaved family, break a bowl, burn a pot, or lend money?
Let’s find out what these superstitions are about.
1 Superstitions to Avoid During the New Year
No Sweeping or Taking Out the Trash on the First Day
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, one must refrain from touching a broom, as Vietnamese tradition dictates that sweeping and taking out the trash on this day will sweep away good fortune and prosperity for the new year.
Furthermore, after sweeping, it is believed that the broom must be hidden. If the broom is lost on the first day of the new year, it is considered a bad omen, signifying that the house will be robbed and its wealth taken.
For more information:
Refrain from sweeping or taking out the trash on the first day.
Do Not Lend Fire or Water to Others
In feng shui, fire symbolizes good fortune while water represents wealth flowing into the home.
Lending fire or water during the new year means giving away your family’s luck and fortune. Therefore, it is best to avoid lending lighters or water to others during these days.
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Do not lend fire or water to others.
Avoid Breaking Dishes
Breaking dishes is one of the major taboos during the new year.
Our ancestors strongly believed that breaking dishes, cups, or mirrors on the first day of the year signaled separation and disruption in relationships, leading to unfavorable circumstances for the coming year.
Avoid breaking dishes.
For more information: The Most Accurate Guide for the Year of the Dragon 2024
No Borrowing or Lending Money
It is considered a major taboo to borrow or lend money during the new year, as it signifies a year of borrowing and repaying debts. Such an act may result in a year without financial gains, leading to poverty and indebtedness.
Additionally, lending money during this time is seen as “offering” your luck and wealth to others. Thus, it is best to avoid lending or borrowing money during the new year celebrations.
Do not borrow or lend money.
For more information: Why Do We Need to Know These Superstitions?
Do Not Visit Others on the Morning of the First Day
visiting others on the morning of the first day is considered inauspicious, as one may bring bad luck to the host family. According to traditional beliefs, the first person to enter a home in the new year greatly influences the host family’s luck and fortune for the entire year.
Not having compatible ages with the host family may bring financial misfortune, causing the host family to experience an unlucky year.
Do not visit others on the morning of the first day.
For more information: The Ultimate Guide for the Year of the Dragon 2024
Avoid Arguing on the First Day
Arguing on the first day of the new year is highly discouraged. The new year is a time for family reunions and celebrations, and any arguments or disputes may cast a shadow over the entire year, leading to a year filled with obstacles and unhappiness.
Avoid arguing on the first day.
Refrain from Wearing Black or White Clothing
Black and white are colors associated with mourning, so it is best to avoid wearing outfits with a predominant amount of these colors during the new year. Instead, bright and vibrant colors are favored, especially red and yellow.
Refrain from wearing black or white clothing.
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Avoid Speaking Ill or Using Profanity
Words spoken during the new year must be chosen carefully, as only good fortune is desired. Therefore, speaking ill or using profanity, even in jest, is strictly prohibited.
Even food choices are made with care, as certain dishes such as turtle, duck, dog meat, and mackerel are believed to bring bad luck if consumed during this time.
Avoid speaking ill or using profanity.
For more information: and What Should We Avoid Doing to Attract Good Fortune All Year Round?
Avoid Buying Inauspicious Items
What you buy at the beginning of the year is also important. These purchases are considered to bring good luck and fortune, as “bought items are received blessings.” During the new year, it is best to avoid buying brooms, hoes, or sickles, as these items are believed to bring bad luck to the recipient. Instead, buy lime and spread it across the four corners of your house to ward off evil spirits.
Avoid buying inauspicious items.
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Refrain from Intimate Relations
The first day of the new year, as well as the full moon day, are considered inauspicious days for intimate relations by Eastern beliefs. It is believed that intimacy between men and women during these days brings bad luck and misfortune.
Refrain from intimate relations.
Bereaved Individuals Should Not Visit Others
According to Vietnamese beliefs, the first person to enter a home in the new year holds great significance for the host family’s luck and fortune.
Visiting others after a bereavement is believed to bring bad luck and misfortune to the host family. Therefore, those who have recently lost a loved one should avoid visiting or offering new year greetings to other families.
Bereaved individuals should not visit others.
Refrain from Eating Balut on the First Day
Many people believe that eating balut on the first day of the new year may cause things to turn upside down and go against one’s wishes.
Refrain from eating balut on the first day.
However, eating chicken eggs is considered fine, as they symbolize fullness and abundance, representing strong bonds.
Do Not Cut Hair During the New Year
Haircutting is also considered taboo during the new year, as our ancestors believed that hair is intimately connected to an individual’s health and fortune. Cutting hair on the first day of the year is thought to cut away one’s luck and well-being.
Do not cut hair during the new year.
For more information: to avoid bringing troubles and sadness to the family in the coming year.
2 Superstitions to Avoid on New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is a sacred moment of transition from the old year to the new, and we must observe certain taboos to ensure good fortune for ourselves and our families. According to ancient beliefs, one’s words and actions during this time greatly influence the coming year.
For more information:
Superstitions to avoid on New Year’s Eve.
3 Foods to Avoid During the New Year
Observing taboos regarding actions and clothing during the new year brings peace of mind and helps ward off misfortune. Additionally, food choices during the Lunar New Year celebrations require careful consideration.
According to folk beliefs, what we eat during this time impacts our career and health in the coming year.
For more information:
Foods to avoid during the new year.
For more information: The Ultimate Guide for the Year of the Dragon 2024
Particularly on the first day of the new year, be mindful of things to avoid and the first day of the new moon to ward off bad luck.
The new year is a time when all Vietnamese families wish for good fortune and want to leave behind any bad luck or
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