3. Gift Giving in China Tip #4 - Use Both Hands. The traditional gift is an odd dollar amount, starting at $101, in a white envelope. The colour white is associated with death in China, as in many Asian cultures. "Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder". Perhaps the superstitions surrounding rain date to a particularly wet area; if an epidemic followed a rainy spell, it would be easy to link the bad weather with the following deaths, and so a superstition was born. Primarily the whole idea comes from the Chinese word for shoes (鞋 xié) which sounds similar to evil (邪 xié ). Perhaps the next most common superstition, at least in the West, involves tossing salt over one's shoulder. 40 years is the only date that is not celebrated in Ukraine, especially for men. Chinese culture is rich with a variety of customs, but it also involves a great deal of superstition. In China, the major gift-giving occasions are birthdays, the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Hereunder are 16 things you should never do during the Chinese New Year. The larger the deceased's inheritance, the louder the wailing. Regardless of the year you were born, there are certain customs and superstitions that many Chinese adhere to during the New Year. what kind of chinese superstitions are there? There is no clear explanation towards "Fan death", but this superstition starts in the 19 th century. Some superstitions, such as not walking under ladders, seem to have extremely practical roots (no-one wants to be knocked off a ladder, or have something dropped on their head.) France - evil nuns are thought to be reincarnated as magpies. Some believe that if a bird flies into your house it is bringing important news. 1:00 am - 3:00 am. A white cloth will be hung outside the front door of the house to announce that the family is in mourning. In Korea, many believe that turning on a fan in a closed room at night can kill a person. A groom carrying his bride over the threshold. Gift Giving in China Tip #5 - Wait. . Traditionally, the period called "wake" precedes the actual funeral. Red is the color of good fortune and vitality. Giving shoes as a gift is associated with another superstition. A coffin is also called shoumu (寿木 . You will receive a visit from a nobleman. Staying away from customary celebrations of the Chinese New Year within a year of experiencing a death in the family is usually observed too. In China, there is a saying: "The best place to live is Hangzhou, the best place for buying clothing is Suzhou, the best place for eating is Guangzhou, and the best place for dying is Liuzhou (住在杭州, 穿在苏州, 食在广州, 死在柳州)". To my Mother, death, like dog shit in a dog park, is everywhere. When someone who is going on a trip sees a married lady with flowers on her head, and kumkum on her forehead, it is believed that the trip will be successful. It is so because the number 4 in Chinese has the pronunciation similar to the word 'death'. These days, young, urban Chinese consumers are also likely to give gifts on Western holidays like . Shoes. You're also never supposed to . The Thai belief that whistling or singing at night is bad luck may have a practical origin, as making noise at night could attract nearby . It's best to memorize them all before traveling. Bottom-left eyelid twitch and you believe in Chinese superstitions or are Chinese. Chinese customs dictate that before . If you want to visit friends, you should walk south as soon as you leave the house. Why Indians still hold these beliefs. On the stroke of midnight, every door and window in the house has to be opened to allow the old . 10. Do Not Wash Your Hair. Chinese customs dictate that before . Egg (蛋, dàn) - fertility. 11. Parents used this as an excuse to get kids to knock off the habit of making noise at the table. Ger Bosma/Getty Images. Older chinese also observe a strict mourning period of either 1 or 3 years - during this period, the mourners must not attend weddings, chinese . To some extent, a coffin is not a bad omen in China. 3:00 am - 5:00 am Words with negative meaning should be avoided in daily conversation, such as breaking, running out, death, ghost, killing, sickness, pain, losing, and poverty. 10. One can't give 4 presents as it is also considered bad luck. During the times of Kievan Rus, the bodies of the deceased were checked for imperishability, and the deadline for determining it was established in 40 days. Pregnant or engaged couples do not attend the funeral. The Thai belief that whistling or singing at night is bad luck may have a practical origin, as making noise at night could attract nearby . They said that the dead tries to show themselves in mirrors, so they must be covered with a cloth. From the ages of zero to pre-teens, I was always overdressed, overfed, overnagged and overwhelmed by my Mother's fear of death. Observing the Chinese traditions and customs around you and adapting is the key to fully enjoying your journey in China. Traditional Chinese funeral flowers are white. 1. This superstition arose because of the connection between the number '40' and death. According to Chinese superstition, you just made a bad move -- and could end up having bad luck for the rest of the year. However, other names, depending on the area, exist and include: Clock of St. Paschal, St. John, St. Bernard, St. Anthony, St. Vital, or Madonna's. This may sound a little crazy, but you should avoid washing your hair during the first day of Chinese new year! For example, a dream about being abandoned may not be as bad as it sounds as it could mean that you will be . I'm the sack of rice my Dad is carrying. As mentioned above, folk send the God of the Kitchen Stove to Heaven on the 23th of the 12th month of the Chinese lunar year. It is believed that if you look at the coffin while it is closing, the soul is unable to depart peacefully. It stands for a fresh start and new hope. In this article, you're going to learn unexpected Chinese customs you must know about, to avoid making any major cultural faux-pas. And Not allowed to visit other people's houses for X amount of time. White is also the color of the unknown, purity, courage and strength. For example, words such as break, spoil, die, gone, and poor should not be uttered. 3.1 Seeing an owl during the day signifies death; 4 Magpies. Dumplings = abundance of wealth. Family and friends are visiting or contemplating it: Goat (1300 - 1500) . Doing so will give them a difficult delivery and can bring either bad luck or death onto the unborn child. Do you remember the Beijing Olympics and its . Shooting off firecrackers on Chinese New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the new. Gift Giving in China Tip #3 - Pay Attention To Your Card. Those who die young and without children . White gloves, ostrich plumes and a white coffin were the standard. Chinese take lucky and unlucky numbers, for example, very seriously. In the home of a person who died all the statues of gods will be covered in red paper. If the clasp of your necklace winds up in front, you can make a wish as you move the clasp back to the nape of your neck. The white envelopes are similar to red envelopes that are given at weddings. 5:00-7:00 a.m.: A special guest is on his or her way. 12. Gift Giving in China Tip #2 - Wrap Up Properly. Some Chinese Superstitions. Regardless of the duration of the mourning period, these rules apply to the remaining relatives of the deceased during the mourning period: You cannot visit another person's house, especially during Chinese New Year. Read on for 10 dos and don'ts to guide you through the art of Chinese gift-giving. 2. A period of mourning is not required if the . 7 Chinese Symbols That Represent Death. Read on for 10 dos and don'ts to guide you through the art of Chinese gift-giving. Like 'knocking on wood,' this superstition also involves the idea of 'warding off evil' - in this case, the Devil himself. #6. She grew up nearby in a Chinese household. Such traditional superstitions still . In the home of a person who died all the statues of gods will be covered in red paper. Taoism, like Buddhism - the second-most-common choice for a funeral service in Hong Kong, followed by a Catholic ceremony - holds that humans undergo an endless cycle of death and rebirth. Water with fish. A white cloth will be hung outside the front door of the house to announce that the family is in mourning. Spilling water behind someone, in Serbia, actually brings them a lot of good luck! Informant Data: Katie Zhang was born in Warrensburg, Missouri. Chinese New Year. On the second day of New Year, Beijingers like to pray to the Cai Shen Deity, the god of prosperity. If several deaths occur in the same family, tie a black ribbon to . Expectant mothers shouldn't look inside the coffin. Saying "God Bless You" when someone sneezes. From shouting auspicious phrases during lo hei and giving out angbaos and even numbers, it's no surprise that CNY comes with lots of practices to follow.. While number eight is considered lucky as it is associated with wealth and prosperity, number four is not, because four and death are pronounced the same . 23. Some superstitions, such as not walking under ladders, seem to have extremely practical roots (no-one wants to be knocked off a ladder, or have something dropped on their head.) This is because eight (八 - bā) sounds sort of similar to the word for prosperity/wealth (发 - fā). 5 European Robin. The Thai belief is that knocking on your plates or bowls when eating is a call for spirits to join you for a meal. Other people, however, may visit your home. Before the creation of the Internet and round-the-clock news networks, people had little to work with in terms of gaining information or making predictions about future conditions. White was a popular color for the funeral of a child. The family is buddhist. Chinese Culture >> Chinese Superstitions. Published: February 18, 2022 2:02 pm. Fish served from head to tail = an abundant and prosperous year from beginning to end. Older chinese believe that the soul of the deceased departs only after 100 days from the day he dies. The tiger is known as the king of all beasts in China and is associated with bravery, confidence and strength. Other information resources that were used as references: Guide to Chinese funeral . So giving someone a pair of shoes is like giving them a bad spirit. New moms are not allowed to shower, eat raw vegetables or drink cold water. Many Chinese Christians believe a person's body should be at home at the time of death. The Chinese believe that there are 3 lights/flames on a person - on the forehead and one on each side of the shoulders. When the undertaker is closing the coffin at a Chinese funeral, the people will be instructed not to look at the coffin. Death is the biggest taboo topic among Chinese people. 4.1 It is bad luck to see a magpie; 4.2 Magpies bring good luck. Spill a lot of water! 20. 9. Giving or receiving black items is said to always be bad luck, as the color black brings death with it. Covering your mouth when you yawn. If the person who died was over 80 years, guests may wear shades of pink to the funeral ceremony as it is considered a longevity milestone, and people . Mar 24, 2006. Her parents are both from Shanghai, China and moved to the United States for graduate school. 1. There is a tremendous difference between the two sexes. This eventually led to the association of butterflies to the presence of a deceased person in our culture. Some buildings may "lack" a . Play. DID YOU KNOW - In Chinese culture, we have 12 signs of the zodiac - mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog and pig. Greeting the God of the Kitchen Stove. They The word for "death" 死 is pronounced si (with falling intonation). Whether or not you believe in them, they have affected our lives. Often, a person who is dying in a hospital will be brought home to die peacefully, surrounded by loving family members and friends. Red is the color of good fortune and vitality. In China, the major gift-giving occasions are birthdays, the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), and the Mid-Autumn Festival. A New Zealand superstition held that hearing a Kāreke (marsh crake) over your right shoulder was good luck, but over your left shoulder would lead to having a " crook trot "—old New Zealand . The Chinese believe that a daughter is useless because she cannot work or support her parents; when she marries she changes her family name and her children become . White is also the color of the unknown, purity, courage and strength. Never given Chinese people clocks as that symbolises death and funerals. 9. You must also avoid looking at your reflection in mirrors, too. There are numerous amount of superstitions, some more unusual than others. Eight treasures pudding (八宝饭) = good luck, great fortune. If you want to be extra careful this year, here are 10 Chinese superstitions . During the wake, family and friends bring flowers, which are elaborate wreaths that include banners with couplets written on them, and white envelopes filled with cash. Be Wary of Water. Chinese superstition says this will invite bad luck to these individuals. Credit: Peter Ardito. A St. Christopher medal brings good luck to sailors and other travelers. Chinese grieving etiquette differs depending on whether the deceased was younger or older than those in mourning. FILIPINO-CHINESE FOLK BELIEFS. 11:00 pm - 1:00 am. White is the color reserved for death in Chinese culture. These days, young, urban Chinese consumers are also likely to give gifts on Western holidays like . 8 Chinese New Year Traditions, Explained. 1. I think there was something like, can't celebrate any thing for X amount of time. For Chinese Moms, Birth Means 30 Days In Pajamas The age-old tradition known as "sitting the month" has strict rules. So death is simply a matter of time. The color of a gift can be significant. It could very well be due to a sudden dryness in the air, but as you would have it, Chinese superstition have some things to say about it. Here are 11 things you should avoid doing during the Chinese new year. Many buildings in China skip a fourth floor, just as U.S. builders sometimes omit floor 13. When it comes to good luck, the magic number in China is eight. Colours like white, blue and green are mourning colours and would be frowned upon if used as decorations. 9. Slide 1 of 9: Chinese New Year is the most widely celebrated Chinese holiday across the globe. That is why many buildings forgo 4th-floors since no one wants to live at a cursed address. Do - Mark your calendars. Fan Death. Chinese New Year is a season that has it all: snacking on goodies, receiving angbaos and bonding with family and friends through dinners and games like mahjong. When paying visits to relatives and friends during the Spring Festival, you may prepare a small . Do - Mark your calendars. In Chinese tradition, it is only the responsibility of the young to show their respect by holding a funeral -- traditional belief dictates that elders should not hold a funeral for the young. We would squeeze 10 family visits into just two days, hurrying from home to home in red outfits (a lucky color) and our arms struggling to carry a few too many bags of presents and snacks. There are many Chinese New Year taboos to be wary of. Immediate and extended family and friends attend the wake. Gift Giving in China - FAQ's. Before getting stuck into our rules we've got a little treat for you…. Black and white colour presents are considered as a symbol of Death! The latter can be seen in Chinese-American director Lulu Wang's latest film, The Farewell, which tells the story of the aftermath of her nai nai (grandmother) being diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.The doctor reveals the news to Nai Nai's sister, who then decides that it would be best to keep the diagnosis from Nai Nai in order to prolong her health as much as possible. 6. Superstition . You will get an invitation to some partying or feasting. Updated: 2:18 pm; It is to avoid bringing 'bad luck' to their homes. The person giving the gift can write his or her name on the envelope . Another version of this superstition is that if a bird taps on your window or accidentally hits your window that too means an . This is because the Chinese word for "death" and "four" is nearly the same. (Pixabay/Stock photo) According to Licauco, there have been several accounts where people would encounter butterflies during mournings or wakes. Other Chinese superstitions involve ones house. Superstitions have been a big part of our lives for generations. 7. Held either in the family home or local temple, this period lasts for several days, wherein family members and close friends are expected to bring flowers for the deceased. More traditional families will wear the pieces if cloth for up to three years. Visit Only One Wake in a Day. . Sometimes a white banner is hung above the door of the bereaved household, and mourners often wear subdued colours. Taboo Words: The first thing you should pay attention to is your words. What does the little patches people put on their shoulder mean? . The real reason: The secret is plain and simple: good table manners. In the Chinese language, the word "hair" (发, fā) is the same character and the same pronunciation as the word "to get rich . China - a singing magpie will bring good fortune and is a symbol of happiness and good luck. Here are just . Over the years, the list of homes to visit has grown shorter and shorter. Chinese funeral guests can be expected to give the grieving family money, 奠儀 (diàn yí), at the funeral or one day prior. Lychee = close family ties. You\\'ve decided to visit friends on the first day of the Lunar New Year, and as soon as you step out your front door, you turn right and head east. This number is unacceptable for vehicles and houses. Parents refrain from broaching the subject with their children to protect them; people pay extra for cellphone numbers without the digit 4, which sounds like the . Modern Chinese people have done away with this feudalistic superstition, and visit friends on the 3rd day of the Spring Festival. These are some of the superstitions which are considered good omens. Superstition holds that birdsong holds the secret to understanding the world. Grapes (葡萄, pútaó) - wealth, abundance, fertility. China. When eating fish, diners must be careful to not break . Gift Giving in China - DO NOT Do These. Most Chinese can provide an earful about the "curse of 1976," the year of the deaths of Mao, Prime Minister Zhou Enlai and Gen. Zhu De, the head of the Red Army. Chinese people see a fat kid as a sign of health, so my Mother fashioned me after a 20-lb sack of Jasmine rice. . The ticking sound of this wood-boring beetle goes by many names, the most notable one being "the death watch.". This can also be a figurative death, as in closure: the end of a job, life phase, relationship, etc. Peaches : stand for long life. It was also the year an . New Member. But one thing is common; many of them predict deaths to follow. It's a tradition for women to wail in grief. 四 (four) is pronounced si (四 sì (si) [ssuh] - like a snake with 'uh' (say the vowel in the back of your throat)). 1. If the bird is white then the news will be good, but if it is black then it will be bad and this could mean the death of a family member. Therefore, it is okay to marry within 100 days from the day he dies. 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