Episode 14: Lunar New Year and its taboos, superstitions and traditions

Hello, everyone, welcome back. Today I am going to talk about Lunar New Year, its taboos, superstitions and traditions. The Lunar New Year, often known as Chinese New Year, is the beginning of the calendar year with months based on the phases of the moon. The Lunar New Year often falls on the same day in different countries, but the way it is celebrated is unique to each place and region. Lunar New Year is not only celebrated in China, but also in Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is also celebrated in countries where there are Chinese communities such as in Canada. Lunar New Year usually falls in late January to mid-February. This year, it falls on Jan 22nd. Each year corresponds to twelve animals from the Chinese zodiac. They are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. It is believed that each sign has its own personality traits. The most interesting things about Lunar New Year are the taboos and superstitions. These taboos and superstitions are probably outdated, and I have never heard of some of them until I did the research for this podcast. These are the things you shouldn’t do on Lunar New Year's Day. 1. Don't eat porridge because it will bring poverty. 2. Don't wash your hair because it will wash away any good luck. 3. No needle work as it depletes wealth. 4. Don’t say any unlucky words such as "die", because it brings death. 5. Don't break any dishes or glasses as it will bring bad luck. 6. Don't use any scissors for the same reason. 7. No crying. Again, it will bring bad luck. 8. Don't wear black or white clothes. Black colour is associated with funerals. Wear red or bright colours. 9. No hospital visits because it will bring illness. 10. Don't do laundry today, it washes away good fortune. Most of these rules sound ridiculous to me, but it is entertaining to read or hear about them. However, I do follow some of these rules. I follow number 4 and number 8. Now, apart from avoiding doing things that will bring bad luck and ill health, people prepare traditional dishes that have symbolic meanings and are symbols of luck and prosperity. Fish is one of the dishes. How do people prepare for the New Year? Most people clean the house thoroughly. It is believed that sweeping dusts symbolizes sweeping away any misfortune and bad luck. Some people put up red and gold decorations with lucky words. On Lunar New Year's Day, people visit their parents, grandparents or in-laws. The elders will give red packets with money inside. People gather for dinner and celebrate together. Holidays last from a few days to two weeks in Asian countries that celebrate Lunar New Year. Now, let me get back to my housecleaning. I have a robot vacuum cleaner that will suck all the dusts and dog’s hair up, which will hopefully remove my bad luck too. ^_^ Thank you for listening. Vocabulary Taboo – something that is forbidden to say because of social or religious custom Superstition – an excess belief in supernatural things, similar to a myth or old wives’ tale. Prosperity - wealth

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