TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Wednesday is the Lantern Festival (元宵節), marking the 15th and final day of Lunar New Year festivities and the first full moon of the Lunar New Year.
It is an auspicious day when lanterns are lit and tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) are eaten. However, the Taiwanese traditionally believe some taboos must be observed to ensure a prosperous new year.
Folk custom expert and the founding chair of the Taichung Numerology Education Association Yang Teng-kei (楊登嵙) listed 12 taboos that people should be cautious of this day, per In News.
1. Do not get into family arguments
This day, also known as the Shangyuan Festival (上元節), is the birthday of the Taoist deity Tianguan (天官大帝), the god of good fortune. Tianguan's birthday should be festive, and married couples should avoid conflict.
Parents should also ensure their children do not cry and refrain from hitting them to avoid bringing bad luck to the family.
2. Do not get a haircut or wash hair
The Chinese word for hair (髮) is a homonym with the word fortune (發). Getting a haircut on this day is believed to symbolize the cutting of one's financial fortune, and washing hair is thought to represent washing away one's wealth, leading to a year without savings.
3. Avoid unnecessary doctor visits
Avoid seeing a doctor on the Lantern Festival unless one needs urgent medical care, as doing so is believed to be a sign of ongoing illness in the coming year.
4. Do not damage tools or equipment
The Lantern Festival is a joyous occasion celebrated by all. Damage to tools or equipment symbolizes financial loss and misfortune for the year. Conduct early inspections to prevent damage.
5. Do not go to desolate places
People who are physically weak or experiencing misfortune should avoid places with heavy yin energy (negative energy), such as desolate areas, cemeteries, and columbariums, to avoid bad luck.
6. Do not lose belongings
Losing belongings on the Lantern Festival signifies an inability to manage finances, making one more likely to miss good opportunities throughout the year. Therefore, extra caution should be taken to prevent the loss of valuables.
7. Do not lend money
One should not lend money on this day. Otherwise, others will borrow away one's good luck for the year.
8. Do not empty the rice pot
Do not allow the bottom of the rice pot to be exposed because it is considered a bad omen of running out of food, which could negatively impact one's financial fortunes.
9. Do not tear clothing
Make sure that clothing does not become tattered or torn on this day, as it is a harbinger of financial loss and bad luck.
10. Do not slaughter animals or see blood
Tianguan is the leader of the Three Great Emperor Officials and represents the Lucky Star. It is believed this is when the Lucky Star descends to the mortal world, and one should refrain from harming living beings or seeing blood.
Doing so is believed to bring financial loss and potential accidents involving bloodshed throughout the year. However, those in certain professions are exempt from this taboo.
11. Do not swear or curse
Swearing or cursing during the Lantern Festival could make one prone to misspeaking and starting arguments in the coming year. Instead, one should speak kindly and do good deeds to ensure a smooth and successful year ahead.
12. Do not wear black-and-white stripes
Do not wear clothing with black-and-white stripes as the two colors together are associated with prison and death. Wearing these colors on this day is believed to bring misfortune and prevent things from going as planned.
