Accumulate good deeds as well

By Chuah Bee Kim

BEFORE the arrival of each Chinese New Year, Chinese households will spring-clean their homes to sweep away the bad luck from the old year.

It is believed that a clean house will invite good luck.

On the first day of the new year, it is deemed bad luck to sweep the floor or use a pair of scissors. I think even holding a knife is prohibited, for those who want the rest of the year to be smooth sailing.

These are traditional beliefs that have been passed on by our forefathers.

I wondered, though, whether our youths of today still observe these "rules" set by their grandmothers and mothers.

To find out, I asked my neighbour's 20-year-old daughter, Debbie.

Yes, she has already bought a new set of clothes for the new year. She had been taught since young that it was necessary to wear a new set of clothes, preferably something red, even though she claimed to not look good in red.

As she is still single, she is also hoping for lots of ang pow (red packets) to come her way this year.

And a few days ago, she bought some books by feng shui masters Joey Yap and Lilian Too, to see if she has peach-blossom luck this year.

Since these are age-old traditions, I guess the young of today will try to follow them out of respect.

However, there are certain observations that they will deem as out-of-date, if these are not practical.

"I know my aunt and mother get their hair done on the eve itself, even if it costs more during that time, but they always make an appointment with the hairdresser on that day.

"For me, I don't understand why I can't wash my hair on the first day of the new year. I've been told it is something akin to washing away your luck. But I just do not believe washing my hair affects my luck. We create our own luck when we work hard, right?" said Debbie.

"I hate firecrackers, though, because my pet dog gets very frightened by the loud sound. To me, it is annoying, but so many people love it. Even the non-Chinese are playing firecrackers even though they are not the ones observing new year!"

It is also deemed inauspicious to sigh or utter words related to death or dying, or even buy shoes during the festival as shoes are called hai in Cantonese and Hakka, a sound akin to sighing.

Out of filial piety, children will stay up late on Chinese New Year eve as it means their parents will enjoy longevity. But no child would want to sleep early on such a joyous occasion, where some homes will be filled with merriment as loved ones return for the family reunion.

The Chinese New Year reunion dinner is considered a significant and meaningful event for the Chinese community.

The Chinese will also consume fish during the 15-day celebration as they believe that fish brings luck, prosperity and abundance.

By and large, we will tend to avoid the taboos and buy to display all the fortune-related items like potted azaleas, limes, pussy willows, peonies and water lilies.

What is more important, however, is the accumulation of good deeds and thoughts, and the banishment of greed and evil in our lives.

That is one of the surest ways of inviting good luck into one's life.

Potted azaleas, limes, pussy willows, peonies and water lilies are popular display items during Chinese New Year as they are considered good luck.

Because it is the Year of the Horse, horse figurines will sell well in the run-up to the Lunar New Year.

Horse replicas shine brightly outside the city’s shopping malls to usher in the Year of the Horse.

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Accumulate good deeds as well

BEFORE the arrival of each Chinese New Year, Chinese households will spring-clean their homes to sweep away the bad luck from the old year.

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