{"id":7313,"date":"2012-02-18T01:38:27","date_gmt":"2012-02-18T06:38:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/chinese\/?p=7313"},"modified":"2018-02-07T08:58:19","modified_gmt":"2018-02-07T12:58:19","slug":"very-superstitious","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/chinese\/very-superstitious\/","title":{"rendered":"Very Superstitious"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every culture has its own unique superstitions<\/strong> (\u8ff7\u4fe1 – m\u00ed x\u00ecn), and China is no different. Chinese culture is rich in beliefs, customs, and superstitions that vary greatly from those in the West. Let’s take a look at some of these, and how they will bring you either good luck or bad luck.<\/p>\n

Numbers<\/strong><\/p>\n

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No 4th, 13th, or 14th floor.<\/p><\/div>\n

In China, the number four is extremely unlucky<\/strong> (\u4e0d\u5e78\u7684 –\u00a0b\u00fa x\u00ecng de). This is because the pronunciation of four<\/strong> (\u56db – s\u00ec) sounds similar to the Chinese word for death<\/strong> (\u6b7b – s\u01d0). Therefore, many people choose to avoid the number four like the plague. It’s not uncommon to step into an elevator in China and notice that there’s no button for the 4th floor, or the 13th or 14th floor, for that matter. Chinese people like superstitions so much that they’ve even adopted the Western superstition of the unlucky number thirteen.<\/p>\n

When it comes to good luck, the magic number in China is eight. This is because eight<\/strong> (\u516b – b\u0101) sounds sort of similar to the word for prosperity\/wealth<\/strong> (\u53d1 – f\u0101). Do you remember the Beijing Olympics and its grand opening ceremony? Of course you do! Well, it’s no coincidence that the games commenced at 8:08 PM on August 8th, 2008 (8\/8\/08). Staring the games at this time was meant to bring good luck<\/strong> (\u597d\u8fd0 – h\u01ceo y\u00f9n). Yeah, the Chinese take their numerical superstitions that seriously.<\/p>\n

Colors<\/strong><\/p>\n

In Chinese culture, the colors white<\/strong> (\u767d\u8272 – b\u00e1i s\u00e8) and black<\/strong> (\u9ed1\u8272 – h\u0113i s\u00e8) are both associated with mourning and loss, and are therefore considered unlucky. Black is never worn in celebrations or ceremonies, and people avoid decorating their home with anything black. As black resembles dirt or feces, it symbolizes evil, disaster, and sadness. Although white is often considered bad luck, it also symbolizes brightness, fulfillment, and purity, as it is the color of breast milk. These days, more and more Chinese are taking up the Western custom of wearing a white wedding dress.<\/p>\n

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Red envelopes packed full of kuai.<\/p><\/div>\n

As far as good luck goes, it doesn’t get much better than the color red<\/strong> (\u7ea2\u8272 – h\u00f3ng s\u00e8) in China. It’s the color of the flag, and it represents happiness. During weddings or festivals, you’ll see red everywhere you go. In particular, during the Spring Festival, children will be given a red envelope<\/strong> (\u7ea2\u5305 – h\u00f3ng b\u0101o) full of money as a good luck present. As it is the color of blood, red is associated with life. In traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies, the bride would wear a red dress.<\/p>\n

New Year<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the Spring Festival celebration, or Chinese New Year as it is known in the West, there are countless superstitions one must pay attention to. This has been covered in a recent post<\/a>, but some of the highlights include: not getting a haircut during the first month (doing so will result in the death of an uncle), not cleaning the house (this will sweep away the good luck), and eating fish, as fish<\/strong> (\u9c7c – y\u00fa) has the same pronunciation as the word for surplus<\/strong> (\u4f59 – y\u00fa). Of course, we can’t forget the constant lighting off of fireworks, which is said to scare away the evil beast Nian (\u5e74), who preys on children.<\/p>\n