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The Ultimate Guide to Superstitions: Preparing for a Lucky New Year

The stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve marks the transition from the old year to the new. With it comes a set of traditions and superstitions to bring good luck for the year ahead, and these rituals are to be observed before and after this magical moment.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

There’s a well-known proverb that says, “As you sow, so shall you reap.” New Year’s Eve marks a significant transition into the new year, and performing certain rituals before and after this time is believed to bring good fortune. Here’s a list of things to do to welcome the new year with positivity and prosperity.

1. Things to Do Before New Year’s Eve

Clean Your House to Welcome the New Year

Clean and decorate your house to welcome the new year

It’s time to give your home a deep clean. This act symbolizes leaving behind any negativity from the previous year and embracing the new year with a positive mindset. A clean home is thought to invite good luck and fortune.

Note: On New Year’s Eve, avoid leaving a broom outside your house, and refrain from using a broom to sweep the floor for the first three days of the new year. It is believed that doing so will sweep away your good luck.

Superstition: Avoid bringing unnecessary troubles and sadness to your family in the new year by following this tradition.

Burn Incense at the Ancestral Altar

Burn incense at the ancestral altar for peace and prosperity

Before midnight and after New Year’s Eve, offer incense at your ancestral altar to wish for a peaceful and prosperous year. Cleaning the altar and preparing a tray of fruits are also part of this ritual. It is believed that this practice creates a warm and harmonious atmosphere for your family in the new year.

Superstition: What are the taboos and rituals to follow at the beginning of the year for good fortune?

Replace Broken Light Bulbs

Replace broken light bulbs for a brighter new year

Ensure that all the light bulbs in your home are functional. According to feng shui, a broken or burnt-out light bulb at the start of the year brings bad luck. To attract good fortune, keep the lights on throughout the first three days of the new year. However, it’s fine to turn them off when going to bed to conserve energy.

Maintain Harmony by Avoiding Arguments

Avoid arguments and create a harmonious environment

Refrain from quarrels, disputes, or scolding children before and after New Year’s Eve. Such actions are believed to harm the harmony in your relationships and drive away good fortune. Instead, focus on creating a peaceful and positive environment to welcome the new year.

Pay Off Debts for a Fresh Start

Pay off debts to start the new year on a positive note

In East Asian tradition, settling debts before the new year is considered crucial. It is believed that outstanding debts can lead to financial difficulties and strained relationships in the coming year. So, if you owe anyone money, it’s best to pay them back before New Year’s Eve to start the new year with a clean slate.

Buy Potted Plants and Flowers for Good Luck

Attract good luck and peace with potted plants and flowers

Purchasing a potted plant or flower, such as qu?t (a type of citrus plant) or apricot blossoms, is believed to bring good luck and peace in the new year. The fruits and blossoms symbolize productivity and prosperity, making them a popular choice for welcoming the new year.

Keep Your Water Storage Full for Smoothness and Harmony

Ensure a full water storage for a smooth transition into the new year

According to ancient beliefs and feng shui principles, your water storage should be filled before New Year’s Eve. Water represents smoothness and harmony, and a lack of water during this transition may suggest dissatisfaction in the new year. So, remember to check your water supply before midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Always Carry Money in Your Pocket for Financial Stability

Carry money in your pocket for a prosperous new year

Before and after New Year’s Eve, keep some money with you. This symbolizes your ability to maintain financial stability and attract prosperity throughout the year. It is believed to bring good luck and set a positive tone for your finances.

Wear New Red Clothes for Luck and Prosperity

Wear new red clothes to welcome the new year

It is advisable to wear new clothes before and after New Year’s Eve, symbolizing a fresh start. Red clothing is particularly auspicious, as red is associated with luck and prosperity in many cultures. Embrace the new year with a positive mindset and a vibrant wardrobe!

2. Things to Do After New Year’s Eve for a Prosperous Start

The first day of the lunar new year is of utmost importance. To ensure a “good start for a good finish,” here are some rituals to perform:

Offer Incense at the Beginning of the Year for Peace and Prosperity

Offer incense for a peaceful and prosperous new year

At the start of the new year, families often offer incense to their ancestors and visit temples to pray for peace and prosperity. This act of offering incense has become a beautiful spiritual tradition during the spring festival, believed to bring good fortune and harmony to the family.

Eat Red-Colored Food for Luck and Harmony Throughout the Year

Eat red-colored foods for good luck and harmony

It is customary to eat red-colored foods like red bean soup, gac fruit, and watermelon on the first day of the lunar new year. Red is considered a lucky color, associated with wealth and prosperity. Eating these foods is believed to bring harmony and success in all endeavors throughout the year.

Avoid Cutting Hair to Preserve Your Fortune

Avoid cutting hair to maintain your luck

There’s a saying, “Teeth and hair are a person’s fortune,” highlighting the importance of these aspects. Refrain from cutting your hair after the new year, especially on the first day. According to physiognomy, hair is believed to influence one’s luck and fortune, so cutting it may be seen as cutting away your own luck.

Avoid Visiting New Mothers to Ward Off Bad Luck

Avoid visiting new mothers to prevent bad luck

According to folk beliefs, visiting a woman who has just given birth on the first day of the new year will bring bad luck for the entire month. It is thought to bring challenges and setbacks. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid visiting maternity wards, as it is believed that the unborn child may be influenced by the jealousy of other children.

Avoid Breaking Things to Maintain Family Harmony and Attract Good Luck

Avoid breaking things to attract good luck and harmony

Breaking anything on the first day of the new year is considered bad luck. It is believed that doing so will bring disharmony to your family and setbacks in your endeavors for the entire month. So, be extra careful and mindful of your actions on this day.

Superstition: What are the things to avoid doing to attract good luck and harmony for the entire year?

The above rituals and traditions are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year. Wishing you a happy, prosperous, and blessed new year ahead!

Frequently asked questions

Cleaning your house symbolizes leaving behind any negativity from the previous year and embracing the new year with a positive mindset. It is believed that a clean home invites good luck and fortune.

Offering incense at the ancestral altar before midnight on New Year’s Eve is done to wish for a peaceful and prosperous year. This practice is believed to create a warm and harmonious atmosphere for your family in the coming year.

According to feng shui, a broken or burnt-out light bulb at the start of the year brings bad luck. Keeping all the light bulbs in your home functional and keeping the lights on during the first three days of the new year is believed to attract good fortune.

Refrain from arguments, disputes, or scolding children before and after New Year’s Eve. Such actions are believed to harm the harmony in your relationships and drive away good fortune. Instead, focus on creating a peaceful and positive environment.

In East Asian tradition, settling debts before the new year is crucial. Outstanding debts are believed to lead to financial difficulties and strained relationships in the coming year. Paying off debts allows you to start the new year on a positive note.

Purchasing a potted plant or flower, such as a citrus plant or apricot blossoms, is believed to bring good luck and peace. The fruits and blossoms symbolize productivity and prosperity, making them a popular choice for the new year.

According to ancient beliefs and feng shui principles, water represents smoothness and harmony. Filling your water storage before New Year’s Eve ensures a smooth transition into the new year, as a lack of water may suggest dissatisfaction.

Carrying money in your pocket before and after New Year’s Eve symbolizes financial stability and the ability to attract prosperity throughout the year. It is believed to bring good luck and set a positive tone for your finances.

Wearing new clothes, especially red ones, symbolizes a fresh start. Red is associated with luck and prosperity in many cultures. Embracing the new year with new red clothing is believed to bring a positive mindset and vibrancy.

Offering incense to ancestors and visiting temples to pray for peace and prosperity are common practices. Eating red-colored foods is also customary, as it is believed to bring luck and harmony throughout the year. Additionally, it is considered important to avoid cutting hair, visiting new mothers, and breaking things to preserve your fortune and maintain family harmony.