Chinese New Year Traditions and Superstitions Are Similar to Christmas Events

Chinese New Year in Seattle, January 2009 Photo by Joe Mabel via Wikimedia Commons

The film Christmas Cottage tells the story of painter Thomas Kindade. Known as the "Painter of Light," Kinkade co-produced the 2008 film as a way of sharing the trials and troubles that he and his family met with hope and faith.

In the film, Kinkade's mother struggles with unemployment and the inability to make her mortgage payments. At the same time, inspired by an older painter, Kinkade begins a mural to honor the little town and neighbors of his childhood.

As the neighbors pitch in to help the family's cottage home, one of the neighbors, who is Chinese, ensures that any dust or dirt is not swept out of the front door, as it will sweep out good luck.

This ritual is just one of many superstitions and traditions associated with Chinese New Year, which begins on a new moon. With the Chinese New Year of January 23, 2012 being the Year of the Dragon, anyone can join in the Chinese cultural and family celebrations by observing some of these ancient practices, which often resemble European Christmas traditions, such as those in Poland or Scotland.

Cleaning and Sweeping

Ancient Christmas traditions require that the home and hearth are clean and shining by Christmas Eve.

As noted on the Cathay Cafe website, the Chinese take special care of the method of cleaning and sweeping. They advise cleaning before New Year's Eve, then put away the brooms and dustpans to keep good fortune in the home.

After the New Year, it's advised to sweep dust and dirt to the middle of the living room, and then to the corners of the room and let it sit for five days. During this time, avoid stepping in the corners. On the fifth day, throw out the dust and dirt by taking it out the back door.

Never sweep dust and dirt out the front door, which will sweep out good luck or even a family member!

Holiday Feasts for Ancestors and Family

Like the ancient Christmas times, the Chinese believe that their ancestors' spirits may visit. During Christmas time, old traditions required that people leave food out overnight for their ancestors' spirits. This practice may be related to the tradition of children leaving cookies and milk as a snack for Santa Claus. The Chinese New Year's Eve dinner includes enough food for the living and their ancestors' spirits.

Wearing Red and Giving Money

Another shared tradition of Christmas and the Chinese New Year is the wearing of red. This color symbolizes good fortune and happiness. During Chinese New Year, children often receive new money in a red envelope. In a similar way, children during Christmas often receive new money in an envelope.

However, both the Chinese New Year and Christmas superstitions advised against lending money during this time, as it would set the stage for losing money all year.

Both holidays honor families and homes.