There are ways to look pretty, presentable and, more importantly, acceptable with bits of black for the festivities, experts tell CNA Lifestyle. You could channel a stylishly dark wardrobe that's Never wear clothes in black during the Chinese New year because it is typically worn during funerals. The color has been associated with death. It is considered to be unlucky. Black, like white, is associated with grief, bad luck, and misfortune in Chinese culture. Wearing black during Chinese New Year is thought to attract negativity and hinder the flow of good fortune. It is advisable to choose brighter and more auspicious colors for the occasion. Blue: The Color of Sadness and Melancholy In this article, we explore the age-old tradition of wearing red on Chinese New Year and whether it is acceptable to break tradition and wear black pants instead. Discover the significance of colors during this festive season and decide for yourself if black pants are a suitable alternative. You’re definitely not going to get the red-carpet treatment if you choose to wear black on Chinese New Year. Considered taboo among most Chinese clans, wearing black is seen as inauspicious, gloomy and even downright disrespectful. Wearing new clothes means a brand new start, so ragged or dirty dressing symbolizes poverty and misfortune, and should be avoided. Besides, dressing in black and white is only applicable to woefully dour occasions like funerals and mourning ceremonies. In traditional Chinese culture, black is an unlucky colour. If you wear black in the Lunar New Year, it will make people feel too heavy, thus losing the lively atmosphere. Yellow has the power of deterrence. Although it can deter demons and evil spirits, it can also be displeasing to the gods. Do not wear black or white at Chinese New Year – they are associated with mourning – don’t get a haircut, and if you will wear new shoes, buy them early When buying clothes for Chinese New Year, go for red. This is the best color for the occasion. Stay away from black and white, as they are unlucky and negative (for more unlucky things to avoid, check out our list of the top 10 taboos. Avoid all white or black: Wearing white or black during Lunar New Year can lead to disapproving looks from elders, and for good reason. In Chinese culture, wearing all-white (or all-black) is a symbol of loss and mourning , usually reserved for funerals. Never heard of this. Staying with my Chinese in-laws over the holidays and my father-in-law has worn black everyday. My mother-in-law gave my brother-in-law a black sweater as a new year's gift. I think wearing black will be fine. If in doubt wear red and gold. There is no better way to look great for the New Year than wearing clothes that would make you look like a million bucks! Taboos about Chinese New Year Clothes Do Not Wear Black . Never wear clothes in black during the Chinese New year because it is typically worn during funerals. The color has been associated with death. The Chinese New Year festivities are usually accompanied by a large array of customs and rituals from house and debt cleaning to what you should and should not wear because it symbolizes a new start and fresh hopes for the new year. In terms of what to wear and what not to wear while celebrating Chinese New Year, we were taught early on to wear The thing is Chinese New Year is a traditional celebration and although I'm mostly wearing black outfits (love it) I gotta respect the elders. Your parents seem to respect you by allowing you to dress the way you want, but on special days like these they want to keep their traditions. I mean they are paying for your clothes after all. 17 votes, 14 comments. true. New clothes is ideal. Red is lucky, any normal clothes are fine, only dreary things are not good-- so blacks, greys, any other dark colors, and white because thats for mourning. Last Updated on 2022-01-12 , 12:01 pm. Everyone knows to wear the auspicious red colour during Chinese New Year, and definitely most of us have tried to wear something else during our rebellious days. Killing should be avoided from the 1st to 15th of the Lunar New Year as blood is considered an ill omen, which will cause misfortunes such as a knife wound, or a bloody disaster. People usually kill chickens, ducks, pigs, and fish before Chinese New Year or on Chinese New Year's Eve. A man wearing a green hat is said to have an unfaithful wife. Black can be considered unlucky too given it's association to the darkness and secrecy. The word 'mafia' translates to 'black society' in Chinese. Know Your Lucky Chinese Zodiac Colors. As per Chinese astrology, everyone has a zodiac sign and associated lucky colors. Chinese New Year DOs. 1. Do give ang pows to those who are unmarried. While this may seem rather obvious at first glance, handing out ang pow packets to unmarried individuals and children have long been a tradition in Chinese culture, especially during the festive season of Chinese New Year or even during birthdays and weddings. Try to avoid wearing black – be it jet, glossy or matt. This applies especially to our NSFs; if you have a different pair of spectacles to the ones you book in with, try wearing them instead! Nonetheless, we wish the best for those celebrating Chinese New Year. Hence, we feel that it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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