What Not to Do During Chinese New Year According to Tradition

Chinese New Year is shaped as much by what is avoided as by what is celebrated. Alongside the food, family gatherings, and decorations, there are long-standing customs around behaviour, language, and everyday actions that are believed to influence how the year begins. These traditions are rooted in symbolism, passed down through generations, and still widely observed today.

In our family, many of these customs were simply part of daily life during the new year period. Some were explained clearly, others were followed out of habit, and a few were never questioned at all. Even for people who are not particularly superstitious, Chinese New Year tends to be treated differently, with more care given to small details and everyday choices.

Understanding what is traditionally avoided during Chinese New Year helps explain why the festival carries so much meaning. These customs are less about fear and more about starting the year with intention, respect, and a sense of balance.

Avoid cleaning or sweeping on the first day

One of the most commonly followed customs is avoiding cleaning on the first day of Chinese New Year. Sweeping floors, taking out rubbish, or washing clothes is believed to remove good fortune that has just arrived. Because of this, homes are usually cleaned thoroughly before New Year’s Eve instead.

From our experience, this is one tradition that many families still follow closely, even if they are relaxed about others. The first day is meant to welcome luck in, not push it out. As a result, households often leave chores untouched until at least the second day of celebrations.

Do not break things, especially during meals

Breaking objects during Chinese New Year is seen as unlucky, as it symbolises separation, loss, or disruption. Plates, bowls, and glasses are handled with extra care, particularly during reunion meals when family members gather together. If something does break accidentally, traditional phrases are often said immediately to reduce the negative meaning.

This custom reflects the wider focus on harmony at the start of the year. Chinese New Year places importance on smooth beginnings, so anything linked to damage or fracture is avoided where possible. Even today, many people instinctively become more cautious during this period.

Avoid using unlucky or negative language

Language plays a significant role during Chinese New Year. Certain words are avoided because they sound similar to words associated with death, illness, or loss in Chinese. Complaints, arguments, and pessimistic talk are discouraged, especially on the first day.

In practice, this encourages a more positive and calm atmosphere. Conversations tend to stay light, and disagreements are often postponed. The belief is that words spoken at the beginning of the year set the tone for what follows, so people are careful about what they say.

Never stick chopsticks upright in rice

Placing chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is considered extremely inappropriate, particularly during Chinese New Year. This position resembles incense sticks used during rituals for the dead, making it closely associated with mourning rather than celebration.

This is one of the strongest dining taboos in Chinese culture and is taken seriously across generations. Even outside formal settings, seeing chopsticks placed this way can cause discomfort. Understanding this custom helps diners avoid an action that carries a very different meaning from what might be intended.

Avoid giving certain gifts

Gift giving is common during Chinese New Year, but some items are traditionally avoided because of their symbolism or word associations. Clocks are a well known example, as giving a clock sounds like attending a funeral in Chinese. Sharp objects are also avoided, as they symbolise cutting ties or relationships.

Numbers matter too. Gifts are often given in pairs, while the number four is avoided because it sounds like the word for death. These customs remain widely recognised, and many families follow them instinctively, even if they no longer think about the original reasons.

Avoid wearing black or white

Black and white are colours traditionally linked to mourning, so they are usually avoided during Chinese New Year. Instead, bright colours are encouraged, especially red, which symbolises happiness, protection, and good fortune.

This tradition is reflected in decorations, clothing, and even accessories worn during celebrations. While it may be less strictly followed outside China, the preference for red and other bright colours is still very noticeable during the new year period.

Avoid arguments and emotional outbursts

Chinese New Year places strong emphasis on harmony. Arguments, raised voices, and crying are believed to invite conflict or bad luck into the year ahead. Families often make a conscious effort to stay patient and forgiving, even when tensions exist.

This does not mean emotions are ignored, but rather that the start of the year is treated as a reset. Meals and visits are meant to strengthen relationships, and maintaining calm is seen as an important part of beginning the year well.

Why these customs are still followed today

Many of these traditions continue to be observed because they provide structure and meaning during Chinese New Year. They help mark the transition from one year to the next and reinforce values around family, respect, and balance. For families like ours, they are part of shared memory as much as belief.

Even when followed loosely, these customs shape the experience of Chinese New Year. They explain why the festival feels deliberate and thoughtful, rather than rushed. Understanding them adds depth to the celebration and helps explain why the new year is welcomed with such care.