CNY : Some of the Do & Don't

I guess many of us do not believe in or do not follow (strictly) the so-called Chinese New Year (CNY) taboos or superstitions.. I'm one of them :) However, some of these traditions and customs are still practised.

*Sweeping the floor should not be done on first day of CNY for fear that one might sweep away the good fortune. Err... I don't believe in this or follow this.. I will sweep the floor if necessary.

*We are not supposed to wash our hair because it would mean we would have washed away good luck for the New Year. Unless I stay indoor the whole day.. If I go out visiting relatives/friends, sure I will sweat (hot climate all year round).. Washing hair is somehow unavoidable..

*The entire house should be cleaned before CNY (hence spring cleaning), to get rid of the old and welcome the new. Mmmm... Lazy to do spring cleaning

*Settle all the debts before CNY to avoid a bad financial year. Any debt from the old year carried into the new year bodes back luck. It is believed that if one start the new year with debt, it will set the precedence for the rest of the year, that is.. spending the entire year owing people $$$. .. Attention, attention !! Anyone owe me anything? Please settle fast :) Oops, I haven't pay my credit card yet :P

*Wearing new clothes on CNY, and red-coloured clothing is preferred. Red is considered to be very auspicious. Wearing new things are believed to bring good luck. It is believed the appearance and attitude during CNY sets the tone for the rest of the year. I don't follow this :D Sometimes, I even wear black-coloured clothes during CNY ;)

*One should celebrate the New Year with happy mood and not sad mood nor crying. There is the old belief that if one cries on CNY, he/she will cry throughout the year. Therefore, elders and parents will try to tolerate the children even though they are naughty.

*Avoid negativity. This includes bad thoughts, language (bad or negative words, foul language or unlucky words) and actions. Be positive and friendly to all. This one is easy, cos I hardly say bad words or foul language.. Hahaha.. I'm a very polite person ;)

*Shooting off firecrackers on CNY Eve to send out the old year and welcome in the New Year. Also, there's the belief that this will frighten the evil spirit away. However, firecrackers are banned in Malaysia several years back. However, firecrackers are still available in the blackmarket. Not many oblige to this rule.. .. I guess I'm one of the "good" ones and I haven't touch fire crackers for ages... Hahhaa.. The last time I played firecrackers is during my primary school days.

*Reunion Dinner. On CNY Eye, everyone in the family will try to gather for a reunion dinner,which serves to bring families together. Reunion dinner which usually consists of various delicacies. Those working outstation or studying abroad normally will take the effort to come back home for the reunion dinner.

*On CNY Eve the light should be kept on the whole night (to attract the God of Fortune?). I don't believe in this cos I'm a Christian :)

Err.. If I continue on babbling, this will be a non ending list.. So, I guess I better stop here :)

**How many of you still follow these Do & Don't?