Superstition has been a part of Chinese culture for centuries. The staunchness with which superstitious practices are carried is somewhat less, but superstition is still very much a part of Chinese culture. 

By definition, superstitions are irrational beliefs. According to Encarta Dictionary superstition is “an irrational, but usually deep-seated belief in the magical effects of a specific action or ritual, especially in the likelihood that good or bad luck will result from performing it”. Their main basis is in tradition, and they are often passed on from one generation to the next simply as custom.

Most are symbolic, with some having been proven scientifically well after they came about. Let’s look at the reasons (often speculative) behind ten Chinese superstitions:

1. Mian Sian (Mee Sua in Fujian) is a variety of noodles usually eaten on birthdays. The noodles are uncut and long, symbolizing longevity.

2. Pregnant women shouldn’t go to funerals. The superstitious belief behind this is that evil spirits present at the funeral may take over the unborn baby, or that the spirit of the dead may be re-incarnated in the new life growing inside a pregnant woman. Less superstitiously, the reason for a pregnant woman not to attend a funeral could be to spare her (and the baby) the emotional stress of the event.

3. Clipping nails at night is bad luck and will attract ghosts. Considering that in ancient times lighting was poor, this was sound advice. The addition of a bit of spice to the warning may have made the receiver of the advice more careful than they otherwise would have been.

4. The number four is considered to be unlucky as the Chinese word “si” sounds like the word for death. Of course a number that reminds us of death might be considered unlucky- the thought of death makes us anxious. It is said that four is also considered inauspicious in Korea, Japan and Hawaii.

5. Don’t keep a pet turtle or it will slow down the success of your business. This is perhaps more psychological than anything else. Having a turtle plodding around is symbolic of slowness and tedium.

6. The number eight is considered lucky as the Chinese word for it means or sounds like the word “prosper”. Having this number on one’s valuable possessions- like in a car registration number- is therefore considered a good sign. 

7. The deceased’s children and grandchildren should not cut their hair for 49 days. This is a symbolic gesture and an outward expression of loss. It is similar to an Indian custom like it, which lasts for 13 days.

8. Red is considered a color representing life (it is the color of blood) and good fortune. That’s why it is one of the preferred colors for wedding wear, and the color of cloth with which deity statues are covered at funerals. Some gamblers even swear by wearing red underwear to poker games!

9. The superstition that the use of glue while pregnant will cause a difficult birth is not so much a superstition as a precaution taken by many a mom-to-be. Certain glues may be toxic for pregnant women, so this one makes logical sense.

10. Do not cry on New Year’s Day. The belief is that if you cry on New Year’s Day, you will cry throughout the year. The Chinese New Year is their biggest event. And as with all cultures, it is a time of hopes and aspirations for the year ahead. Therefore they make quite an effort to start off the year on a good note, and tears are not part of the equation.

All superstitions, whether logical or not, have their place in history and- for some- in our lives. It may be rare these days to find someone with a rabbit’s foot in their pocket for good luck, but there couldn’t be any harm in not walking under a ladder, could there?