Chinese New Year 2026: Prohibited and Recommended Practices for the New Generation

Chinese New Year 2026 Don't miss this checklist of recommended and prohibited actions to welcome new things today.

Recommended actions on Chinese New Year that bring good fortune—don't miss them.

• Wear vibrant red in any shade; red is an auspicious color that wards off evil and attracts luck.
• Eat auspiciously named foods such as oranges (luck), fish (abundance), and noodles (longevity and enduring work). Eat heartily for guaranteed success.
• Give red envelopes; giving opens the way for money to flow back to you. For recipients, loudly and clearly say “Xin Jia You Yi, Xin Ni Huo Cai.”
• Worship the deities at auspicious locations to ask for blessings and start the Chinese New Year with good fortune.

Prohibited actions on Chinese New Year that can harm your luck.

• Avoid washing or cutting your hair; it’s believed to "wash away your luck." Hang in there—oily hair for one day is worth wealth all year.
• Do not sweep the house or take out the trash; this day is for rest. Sweeping is thought to sweep away wealth. If cleaning is needed, do it beforehand.
• Avoid using foul language or fighting. Relax, stay positive, and smile to welcome wealth. Words spoken today carry energy that lasts all year.
• Avoid breaking things. Be careful with phones, dishes, etc. Breaking items signals bad luck, but if it happens, say “Sui Sui Ping An,” meaning safety throughout the year, to counteract it.

Chinese New Year is a time for family reunion and happiness. Families with traditions should not neglect them; following them ensures good things will happen. Remember to wear red when worshipping, eat auspicious foods, give red envelopes to younger family members, and visit temples to enhance your fortune for a joyful start to the Chinese New Year.