Things to Avoid on New Years
Avoid housework on New Years day: this activity runs the risk of washing or sweeping away good luck. For the same reason, avoid washing your hair on the first and last day of the New Year. It is also considered unlucky to use anything sharp on New Year's Day - knives, scissors, even nail clippers. The action of the sharp blades risks cutting the threads of good fortune brought in at New Year. It is important not to use language that is negative- having an argument on New Year's Day is to be avoided at all costs. Words related to sickness and deaths are to be avoided, and even alternative words where words sound like words related to sickness or death. To avoid any association with death, any slaughtering of poultry or livestock is carried out on New Year's Eve. Finally, care must be taken not to stumble or to break anything - this would be indicative of bad luck ahead.


Symbolism of Food
During Lunar New Year, special emphasis is placed on the symbolism of different foods. Certain foods represent gold, or wealth, while others suggest good health, longevity, togetherness, and completeness. Oranges and tangerines, which resemble gold, represent abundant happiness and wealth. Other common New Year Foods: whole fish symbolizes togetherness; chicken brings prosperity; noodles are served long and uncut, to represent long life; lotus seeds are believed to bring many children; fried bean curd signifies fulfillment of wealth and happiness; and dumplings bring wealth. Nearly every dish and its ingredients are loaded with meaning, all ushering in the New Year with luck, prosperity, long life and everything good.