What are the taboos of the Lantern Festival? What not to do during Lantern Festival?

The Lantern Festival is a time of joy and celebration, but there are certain taboos that people observe to ensure good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Here are some things you should avoid doing during the Lantern Festival:

Do not lend money: It is believed that if you lend money on this day, others will borrow away your good luck for the year.

Do not tease birds: The Lantern Festival is linked to a folk belief about a hunter accidentally shooting a celestial swan of the Jade Emperor. To avoid angering the Jade Emperor, it is advised not to tease birds during the Lantern Festival.

Avoid family arguments: This day is considered the birthday of the Taoist deity Tianguan, the god of good fortune. To ensure a festive atmosphere, married couples should avoid conflict and parents should ensure their children do not cry.

Do not get a haircut or wash hair: The Chinese word for hair is a homonym with the word fortune. Getting a haircut or washing your hair on this day is believed to symbolize the cutting or washing away of one’s financial fortune.

Do not slaughter animals: Tianguan is considered the leader of the Three Great Emperor Officials and represents the Lucky Star. It is believed that this is when the Lucky Star descends to the mortal world, and one should refrain from harming living beings.

Do not move out: Moving out of one’s old home on this day is believed to take away all of one’s good fortune.

Do not knock on house: It is not advisable to knock or beat on one’s house, as it may knock away both good fortune and financial luck.

Do not go to the seaside or use sharp objects: The Lantern Festival also honors Chen Jinggu, also known as Lady Linshui, a protective goddess of women, children, and pregnancy.

Do not wash clothes: It is also not advisable to wash clothes during the Lantern Festival period because it is believed that doing so will wash away good luck.

These taboos are observed by many people during the Lantern Festival to ensure a prosperous new year. However, it’s important to note that practices can vary depending on regional customs and personal beliefs.