Top 10 Chinese Superstitions People Still Believe

Even in modern, high-tech China, ancient superstitions continue to influence daily life, business decisions, and personal choices. These beliefs, passed down through generations, blend folk wisdom, numerology, and symbolism. Here are 10 Chinese superstitions that remain remarkably persistent today.

1. The Number 4 Taboo

The number 4 (?? s?) sounds nearly identical to the word for death (?? s?) in Chinese. Many buildings skip the 4th floor, hospital rooms avoid the number, and phone numbers with multiple 4s are considered unlucky. Some airlines omit row 4 entirely. This superstition is so widespread that it affects real estate prices significantly.

2. The Power of the Number 8

Conversely, 8 (?? b?) sounds like the word for prosperity/wealth (?? f?). The 2008 Beijing Olympics opened at 8:08:08 PM on 8/8/08. License plates, phone numbers, and addresses with multiple 8s command premium prices. In Sichuan, 520-1314-520 sold for over ,000 because it sounds like ‘I love you forever.’

3. Don’t Stick Chopsticks Upright

Sticking chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice resembles incense offerings at a funeral. It’s considered extremely bad luck and disrespectful to the dead. Instead, chopsticks should be laid flat across the bowl or on a chopstick rest. This is one of the most commonly observed dining taboos in China.

Learn more about Chinese society on our knowledge base.

4. Red Is the Luckiest Color

Red symbolizes good fortune, happiness, and prosperity in Chinese culture. That’s why red dominates Spring Festival, weddings, and celebrations. Red envelopes (hongbao) bring good luck. However, writing a person’s name in red ink is a grave insult ??it traditionally signified death sentences and severing relationships.

5. The Feng Shui Doorway Rule

In feng shui, the front door is the ‘mouth of qi’ where energy enters the home. A direct line between the front door and back door allows good fortune to flow straight through. Many Chinese homes place a screen, plant, or piece of furniture to redirect energy. This principle also guides office and shop layout design.

6. No Haircuts During Ghost Month

The 7th lunar month (Ghost Month) is when restless spirits roam the earth. Superstition holds that cutting your hair during this time could attract bad spirits or bad luck. Many Chinese people postpone haircuts, surgeries, and major life decisions until after the month ends.

7. Gift-Giving Taboos

Never give clocks as gifts ??the phrase ‘giving a clock’ (???, s?ng zh?ng) sounds like ‘attending a funeral.’ Umbrellas and pears are also taboo because their names sound like words for separation. Shoes are considered bad luck because they suggest the recipient will ‘walk away.’ Instead, choose fruits, tea, or alcohol.

Learn more about Chinese society on our knowledge base.

8. Lucky and Unlucky Directions

Chinese astrology assigns lucky and unlucky directions based on your zodiac sign and the current year. Some people rearrange furniture or change desk positions at the start of each year to face their favorable direction. Sleeping with your feet facing the door is considered unlucky ??it mimics how the dead are carried out.

9. The Evil Eye (Nazar) Belief

While more commonly associated with the Middle East, similar beliefs exist in Chinese culture. Complimenting a baby too enthusiastically might attract evil spirits. Parents often put a small red mark or clip on babies to ward off the evil eye. This reflects the broader Chinese concept of maintaining harmony and not attracting envy.

10. Sweeping on New Year’s Day

Sweeping the floor on Chinese New Year’s Day is strictly forbidden ??it symbolizes sweeping away incoming good luck. If you must clean, you should sweep inward toward the center of the room. Similarly, washing hair on New Year’s Day washes away good fortune. These taboos are still observed in many Chinese households today.

Conclusion

Chinese superstitions reveal a culture deeply attuned to symbolism, sound associations, and the unseen forces of luck. Whether you believe in them or not, understanding these beliefs provides fascinating insight into how Chinese people navigate daily life and maintain harmony with the world around them.

For more information, you can also check this external reference.