Are you a fan of superstitious beliefs, or you simply just don’t give a fret about this kind of stuff?
For most Filipinos, following “unspoken” rules like superstitions has always been a part of their life. There’s one for when you’re moving from one place to another, when you lost someone you love, or even when you’re sweeping the floor at night.
It is believed that following what we regard as “rules” can actually attract or drive away luck, depending on how often you do it and if you’re doing it right.
Superstitions vary from one culture to another, and since we are celebrating the Chinese New Year this week, here are some of the superstitions you may follow to keep the luck flowing!
Avoid cleaning!
Since we’ve mentioned how there’s always a superstition about sweeping the floor, here’s a starter for you. Chinese New Year is a one-day free pass where it is socially acceptable not to clean your house because it is believed that by doing so, you’re sweeping the wealth away!
To avoid getting piled up with housework, do the cleaning days before the big day so you will not have to worry about it until the festivities are over!
No black, no white
It is believed that the colors black and white are associated with mourning, so it is highly discouraged to wear them during the period of festivities, especially during the first day of Chinese New Year. Go with bright colors instead, like red or yellow!
No money transactions...
And by this, we meant no borrowing nor asking for your money back. According to the Chinese superstitions, if you’re a collector, you have to avoid asking for any debt payment until after the fifth day. Relatively, it is also discouraged to borrow money on Chinese New Year because if you do, you may find yourself needing to borrow money or funds for the rest of the year! And you don’t want that to happen, so no transactions until after the fifth day!
Avoid eating porridge and meat for breakfast
If you don’t want to be poor throughout the year, do not eat porridge. It is considered a “poor people’s meal” and is also called a bad omen in the Chinese superstitions. Another food to avoid is meat. This should be avoided at all costs out of respect for the Buddhist gods, who are believed to be against animals’ killing.
Don’t wash your hair!
Here’s where things get interesting. Did you know that in the Chinese language, hair (发) has the same pronunciation as fa in facai (发财), which means ‘to become wealthy’? This is where the superstition is derived from! It is believed that when you wash your hair on the first day of the lunar year, you’re “washing your fortune away”!
Open the doors and windows on the first day
This isn’t metaphorical-- out with the old and in with the new this lunar year, so it is encouraged to leave your doors and windows wide open on day one, thus attracting all the wealth and prosperity into your household for the whole year!
Fill your rice jar
Just like what most Filipinos do, the rice jar is not allowed to be empty at the height of the lunar new year festivities as it is considered an ill omen.
Superstitions are only regarded as guides, and it is your choice whether to follow them or not. But the bottom line will always be respecting other cultures who celebrate the occasion and try to understand their beliefs without judgment and prejudice.
Speaking of luck, there are ways you can max out your luck this lunar new year aside from the superstitions we just mentioned-- getting a worthy investment is one!
Acquiring a condo investment just in time for the new year is one luck-inducing decision you can make. Aside from its long-term benefits, you can avail yourself of up to 15% discount under Empire East’s newly launched promo!
Consider getting a unit at Empire East Highland City as a property investment, and you’ll surely reap the benefits of this luxurious uphill community in the coming years!
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Know all these and more by sending an email to inquiry@empire-east.com or calling 0917- 8EMPIRE/ 0999- 88EELHI.
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