Do's and don'ts during Chinese New Year

No haircut or washing on the first day

A good start means a happy life during the next whole year, therefore, there are many taboos handed down through the years.

On the first day, you may consider it a good idea to refresh yourself thoroughly to welcome the New Year such as taking a warm bath, having a haircut and washing clean all the old clothes. But don't be surprised, according to Chinese traditional culture, these thighs are all not allowed because either taking a bath or washing old clothes on the first day means washing away all good luck of the new year. Hair in Chinese is pronounced Fa, which means prosperity. So Chinese people wouldn't have a haircut on the first day of the New Year in order to keep money.

No over early call

On the first morning of the New Year, it's unwise to call somebody before he wakes up. The first meal of the New Year is important for Chinese people, during which they enjoy the meal with their beloved families without others' interference. Before you pay your friends a New Year call, make sure they have finished their meals.

Taboos during a meal

On the second day of the Chinese New Year, known as "beginning of the year", you may be invited to enjoy a grand meal with delicious wine which needs quite a long time to prepare. During the meal, according to Spring Festival traditions, there are many things you need to take notice of.

Firstly you are expected to say propitious words such as enthusiastic greetings with auspicious wishes like "Happy New Year", "Congratulations and be prosperous" and "May all your wishes be fulfilled", while such words like death, disease and failure should be avoided.

Secondly, avoid breaking any dishes and dropping chopsticks as breaking objects during the new year is considered inauspicious, but if this does happen, one may then say “sui sui ping an” immediately, which means "everlasting peace year after year".

Thirdly, Chinese people are very enthusiastic hosts. When you are eating, they usually like to put food onto your plates to show their hospitality. Then it is quite impolite to refuse all the time. Of course, if you are indeed full, just say thanks and show your gratitude to them for their enthusiasm.