Chinese New Year has dozens of taboos and customs — things you must do and absolutely must not do during the 15-day festival to ensure good fortune for the coming year.
Must-Do’s
Clean the house thoroughly before New Year’s Day (to sweep away bad luck before the new year begins). Wear red. Give red envelopes (红包, hóngbāo) to children and unmarried relatives. Eat dumplings (in the north) and niangao (in the south).
Must-Not-Do’s
Do not sweep or clean during New Year’s Day itself (sweeping away good luck). Do not say unlucky words (death, sickness, poverty). Do not break things (bad luck). Do not eat porridge (symbolizes poverty and a thin life).
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