Chinese new year taboos

[moon88]

Dear cecil
I read somewhere that during the chinese new year chinese people consider it inauspicious to cut the hair, use scissors or sweep the dust in the house and some even consider it inauspicious to throw out the garbage. Is there any truth in this. Thanks.

[Cecil Lee]

Dear Anon,
Yes, indeed this is true.

Traditional taboo is to keep brooms out of sight on the eve of Chinese New Year.
As Chinese New Year lasts 15 days, it is also a taboo especially to take out garbage on the FIRST day of Chinese New Year or sweep the floor.
It is also true that one should avoid cutting hair during the entire period of Chinese New Year.
In the past, one reason for not cutting hair or been able to cut hair was because many shops (which can afford it) may be closed for the entire period of Chinese New Year.
Nowadays, because of commercial reasons and high rental, many shops or saloons cannot afford to close for such a long period. If the hair saloons are not opened, thus, if one wants to, cannot cut their hair if they want to.
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

Quote

On 5/6/00 11:11:00 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear cecil
I read somewhere that during
the chinese new year chinese
people consider it
inauspicious to cut the hair,
use scissors or sweep the dust
in the house and some even
consider it inauspicious to
throw out the garbage. Is
there any truth in this.
Thanks.

[Cecil Lee]

CNY superstitions, explained.

Credit to the source as shown above.