by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: July 07, 2008   Last Updated: July 09, 2008

China: it's authentic Chinese food, it's historic Great wall, and it's myriads of superstitions. Below are a few common superstitions that have existed and stll exist regardless of the passage of time but that add a certain spark to this already affascinating country.

SOME COMMON CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS

Chinese New Year: for the Chinese culture a looked forward entry to a potentially lucky era to the extent of requiring families to keep all windows and doors open at midnight sharp in order to allow the old year to succesfully exit their homes.

The very first day of the Chinese New Year plays a big role for the Chinese culture. If you are willing to take some steps, the New Year may be particulary prosperous and reserve very good things to come. To grant such prosperity some will abstain from eating meat while others will eat a whole fish. Then, there are those that will gobble up a chicken head and feet. Brooms, mops and all cleaning supplies are to be kept out of reach and no cleaning is permitted to avoid accidentally sweeping away good luck. Hair should not be washed for the same reasons. As in other countries, wearing red brings good luck. Scissors, knives and any other sharp instruments are to be stored aways as to avoid all the good luck from being cut off. If you are lucky enough to have a flower bloom on Chinese New Year expect lots of luck coming your way.

When important life events take place in China, careful planning is vital.
When marrying the bride and groom must pay attention to many details, failure to do so, may bring unhappiness and lack of luck. The groom or bride must not be younger or older than 3 or 6 years. Black, blue or gray clothes should be kept away while white, yellow and red are very welcome.

When looking for a home it is important that the home does not face North. Steps should always be even-numbered and the bedroom should not be right above the garage. Two room doors should never face directly each other. Overwhelmed? Being picky may save you from a bunch of bad luck.

Even the joy of childbirth has not been spared by superstitions and traditions. If you hit an animal during preganancy the child will resemble the animal and even assumes the animal's personality. If you praise a newborn the evil spirits will take over the child. A child with big ears or a concave navel will live in prosperity. When a child cries it indicates that there are ghosts in the room.

The luckiest number is considered number 8, the reason being that when pronounced the word 8 closely resembles the Chinese word for prosperity. A home numbered 8, a number 8 on a license plate or a hotel room with the lucky number are very requested. The least requested number is the number 4 as when prounounced it sounds like the Chinese word for death. Chinese will complain when this number is issued.

These are just a taste of the many superstitions that are present in China. They are all part of a long history of traditions and religious beliefs. The Chinese have believed for many years in superstitious acts because of the strong belief that certain actions would grant rewards and prosperity. While not everyone still believes in such superstitions, there are those that still firmly consider them. Getting accustomed with the Chinese superstitions and traditions may help those who plan to travel to China or are thinking about adopting a child from China. In any case, while visiting please remember to never point to the beautiful Chinese moon, your ears may fall off!

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