Gong Xi Fa Cai, Malaysia! As the countdown to Chinese New Year begins, streets are getting decked out in red and gold, and the festive buzz is already in the air. The excitement is real, and it’s only going to get louder. It’s going to be a season of joy, noise, and togetherness.
But before you happily ong your way through the festivities, a gentle reminder: Chinese New Year also comes with its own set of unspoken rules and taboos. To help you avoid awkward looks, accidental bad luck, or that one auntie’s disapproving stare, here are the Top 10 Things Not to Do During Chinese New Year in Malaysia, so you can celebrate smartly, respectfully, and still have a roaring good time.
1. Don’t Sweep or Clean on the First Day
On the first day of the Chinese New Year, it’s best not to sweep or clean. This tradition comes from a belief that cleaning away the good luck of the new year.
Chinese tradition says the first day of the new year is when the gods give good fortune to homes. Cleaning or sweeping is thought to take away this fortune. This leads to a year of bad luck.
Many Malaysian Chinese homes are cleaned before the new year starts. This is called “sweeping away the old.” It makes sure they don’t clean on the first day, keeping the good luck. By knowing and respecting this tradition, people can enjoy the Chinese New Year fully. This ensures a year of prosperity and good fortune.
2. Don’t Use Sharp Objects
During Chinese New Year, it’s taboo to use sharp objects like knives and scissors. People believe they can cut off good fortune and harm relationships. This is because sharp objects are seen as cutting ties, whether they are family, friends, or business.
To avoid bad luck, don’t use sharp objects on the first day of the Chinese New Year. It’s better to do tasks like cutting paper or opening packages a day before or after. If you must use sharp objects, saying good luck words or doing a small ritual can help.
3. Don’t Argue or Scold Others
The Chinese New Year is a time for joy. Why ruin it with arguments? In Malaysian culture, keeping harmony is key during this festive period. Arguing or scolding is seen as impolite and can bring bad luck all year.
To keep things peaceful, it’s best to be patient and understanding. Even when disagreements happen, forgiveness and letting go of grudges are important. This not only brings good fortune but also strengthens bonds with family and friends.
4. Don’t Break Anything
Breaking things during the Chinese New Year is seen as a big no-no. It’s believed to bring bad luck for the whole year. In Malaysia, breaking something is thought to mean your luck is about to change for the worse.
During the celebrations, you might handle things like vases or tea sets. It’s best to be extra careful with these items. If you do break something, giving a small gift or a red packet with money can help.
5. Don’t Wear Black or White
In Malaysian Chinese culture, the right colours for Chinese New Year are key to a good year. Wearing auspicious colours is a big part of the tradition. Black or white are not good choices for the Chinese New Year. These colours are for mourning, like at funerals. Wearing them might bring bad luck or make the year seem gloomy.
So, what’s better to wear? Red is the top choice, meaning good fortune, wealth, and joy. Gold and pink are also lucky. You can use these colours in your clothes, accessories, or hair.
Think about the meaning of colours when picking your outfit for the Chinese New Year. Red, gold, or pink can make the celebration more festive. They’re believed to bring luck. By choosing wisely, you can join in the fun and start a lucky year.
6. Don’t Give Odd Amounts in Ang Pow
Giving Ang Pow is a special tradition in the Chinese New Year. It means good luck and wealth. People give red packets with money to family and friends, mainly to kids and the elderly.
It’s important to give even amounts because odd numbers are seen as unlucky. You can give RM 2, 4, 6, or 8. This makes sure the money is even.
Don’t give RM 1,3, or 5 as they are odd and bad luck. Giving Ang Pow is more than just money. It’s about showing love and wishing well for others.
The red packets bring luck and wealth. Giving Ang Pow makes families and friends closer. To join in, pick an even amount, use fresh red packets, and give it with a smile and a kind word.
7. Don’t Visit People on the Third Day
Visiting people on the third day of the Chinese New Year is seen as unlucky. This belief comes from old traditions. The third day is thought to be a time of bad luck.
Many people follow this taboo to avoid bad luck for themselves or others. The origins of this taboo are unclear. But it’s linked to Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Ming dynasty emperor, or other stories of poverty and hardship. If you’re celebrating the Chinese New Year, plan visits for better days.
8. Don’t Say Inauspicious Words
During Chinese New Year, it’s important to speak auspiciously. This is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. The words you use can greatly affect your luck for the year.
So, what words should you avoid? It’s best not use negative or critical language. Words linked to illness, death, or bad luck are taboo. Instead, say positive things like wishes for health, happiness, and wealth.
Try to use uplifting and celebratory phrases. Saying “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Mandarin) or “Gong Hey Fat Choy” (Cantonese) is great. These mean “Wishing you prosperity and good fortune.” Choosing your words wisely helps create a positive atmosphere during the Chinese New Year.
9. Don’t Borrow or Lend Money
The tradition of not borrowing or lending money during the Chinese New Year is important. It’s believed that it can cause financial problems all year. Starting the year with debt is seen as unlucky.
It’s best to pay off debts before the new year starts. This way, you begin the year without any financial worries. If you need money, plan and get it before or after the celebrations.
10. Don’t Eat Porridge on the First Day
In Malaysia, eating porridge during the Chinese New Year is seen as unlucky. This tradition is rooted in cultural beliefs about the holiday.
Porridge was once food for the poor. Eating it on the first day was thought to mean a year of poverty. This belief comes from its historical use as a cheap meal.
So, what’s a better breakfast choice? Try yee sang (prosperity toss salad), fa gao (a sweet, sticky rice cake), or other dishes that mean good luck. These foods welcome good fortune and prosperity into your home. On the first day, choose a breakfast that brings good luck and happiness.
Conclusion: Enjoying a Harmonious Chinese New Year in Malaysia
At the end of the day, Chinese New Year in Malaysia isn’t about being overly careful or getting everything “perfect”, it’s about respect, togetherness, and good vibes all around. These taboos are gentle reminders to start the year with positivity, kindness, and a little extra mindfulness for the people around us. In true Malaysian style, it’s also a celebration where cultures blend effortlessly, open houses, laughter over mandarin oranges, ang pow for the young, and endless eating sessions.
So wear something bright, speak good words, keep the mood happy, and enjoy the season the Malaysian way, relaxed and respectful. Gong Xi Fa Cai, and may the year ahead bring prosperity, harmony, and plenty of reasons to celebrate together.
