Today, one should not wash their hair โ This is what follows, says a belief
A traditional Chinese belief discourages washing hair on the first day of the New Year for fear of washing away good fortune.
On February 17th, millions in China will celebrate the Lunar New Year, a significant cultural event. According to an ancient belief, washing one's hair on this day means washing away good luck, and is thought to result in a lack of wealth throughout the year. This belief forms part of various customs and superstitions associated with the New Year, emphasizing the significance of initial actions and feelings on the first day of the lunar calendar.
Additionally, individuals are advised against arguing, breaking anything, or expressing anger to avoid attracting misfortune. The belief holds that the emotional and physical states on New Year's Day influence the entire year, making it crucial for celebrants to engage in positive behaviors. Other customs include refraining from cleaning, as doing so could cause oneโs fortune to escape, and avoiding taking out the trash, with the same reasoning.
Furthermore, purchasing or gifting books is discouraged, stemming from the Chinese word for 'book' sounding similar to the word for 'loss.' Thus, acquiring new books is perceived to invite bad luck, and giving them could bring misfortune to the recipient. These beliefs highlight the rich tapestry of tradition surrounding the New Year in Chinese culture, influencing behaviors and expectations for the year to come.