What is the taboo (may not do or say when during Chinese Lunar New Year) ?

Question

What is the taboo (may not do or say when during Chinese Lunar New Year) ?

Answer 1

I might have misinterpreted the question, but, based on my understanding, the taboo that you're referring to is fairly common. The Lunar New Year is celebrated in several countries within Asia - Vietnam, for instance - and some people are offended that it's recognized almost exclusively as Chinese New Year or Chinese Lunar New Year, because it's not just celebrated in China or by the Chinese. The more culturally inclusive/politically correct name for it is 'Lunar New Year'.

Answer 2

Dumbest genius has the most answers so far, but here are some I would like to add:

1. You can also say "sui sui ping an" -- hope to live peacefully every year -- when you break glasses.

2. When having dinner, do not eat the fish. The Chinese word for fish, "yu," is pronounced the same as "leftover." Each year families serve fish because they want "nian nian you yu" -- to have (wealth) left over.

3. Do not fight with someone, because if you do, it implies that you will be fighting all the following year.


4. Do not say bad words. When you do say them accidentally, say "tong yan wu ji" -- (please do not) mind the children's being outspoken.

5. If there are dumplings served on the dinner table, do not count them.

Answer 3

The number of things that cannot be done are quite numerous
Some of them are
1) Cannot sweep the floor on the first day. Believed to be 'sweeping' away all the good luck as it comes to the house
2) Cannot wash your hair on the first night (Hair in chinese is FA, which also means prosperity-you be washing away your own luck again)
3) Breaking of any glassware must be rectified by saying 'hua kai fu gui', meaning that good luck will follow on the blossoming of flowers(as represented by the breaking of the item)
4) Cannot wear inauspicious colors like white or black (both signifying death)
5) Curse, swear or any angry words are also prohibited, as it will disrupt the family bonding.
6) Words implying or refering to death must also be avoided

These are the more common ones, but again, customs differ from places to places