I have a few that I guess most Chinese people know about or even believe:
In the first month in a Chinese calendar year, one should not have haircut or do any sewing work. These will bring bad luck.
Here is a more interesting one: Girls who like to hold their chopsticks close to the tips will get married and live close to her parents. If she holds them close to the top, she will marry someone far away.
And, a twitch in the left eyelid makes you rich; a twitch in the right eyelid implies bad luck.
Thanks for contributing! I love the one about the chopsticks-- it's so cute! It reminds me a little bit of when girls pick flower petals and each petal either means that a boy "loves me" or "loves me not". I feel like this chopstick superstition is a great example of how superstitions don't always have to be about good/bad luck or warding off evil. Here are some other superstitions from China that I found. -Clipping toenails or fingernails at night brings ghosts. -If somebody keeps a turtle as a pet, then his or her business will be ruined. -An uncut noodle in a soup will increase longevity.
I got these superstitions from this website: http://popculture.knoji.com/15-top-chinese-superstitions/
Saw your link on your mom's blog...I have a few from India. Although many superstitions take form of customs over a period of time ...I will try to mention about only which involves an 'object':) 1. Breaking of a glass, conveys bad news..death or something serious in family or friends 2. If you want to pass on salt to someone, do not give it in someone's hand else you will have differences and fight with that person. Funny, isn't it ? I tried many times but didn't work between me and my husband;) 3. Wearing a black thread around neck wards off evil eyes. 4. During house warming pooja(prayer), a pumpkin is tied outside of top of main entrance gate to ward off evil eyes. It has to be there until it dries off by itself and fall down. I came to know this when I saw this custom in South India. 5. A hanging made of lemon and green chillies is used in general to ward off evil eyes. It can be seen in shops, vehicles etc...very common in India. Looks like we have many options to choose from to ward off evil eyes or may be there are many evil eyes n India:) 6. If you donate any money to anyone or in temple, or even gift to anyone....then it should be an odd number else it is considered as unlucky ...most common donations are 51,101,121,151,1001 etc...this ensures that one rupee coin in India will never be discontinued:) 7. Keeping a knife under pillow doesn't bring bad dreams. That's a horrible concept. 8. There is a religious day in a year for snakes in India. In that day it is advised not to use any sharp objects like needles, sharpeners ,razors, knife , scissors etc. this will hurt the snake and then in turn they will harm you. 9. This one is funny.....if you don't want to go to loo, keep some pebbles in your hand and make a tight fist. Well, I that didn't work with me when I tried it the first time I came to know. I might be 10 years old and did the trial in school...I had to rush out from the class in emergency without taking teacher's permission:) But I am happy my mom never practised or taught me any superstitions...but I learnt from the people around me as I grew. There are many more...hope few from above help you:)
Wow, thank you for such an extensive list of great object superstitions! I can't believe how many connections there are between cultures and their superstitions. I researched Scottish superstitions in-depth, and warding off the evil eye is prevalent in that culture's superstitions as well. Haha I love the one about going to the bathroom!
Here are some interesting tidbits on what may be considered superstition in martial arts:
1) Some never wash their martial arts belt for fear of losing the knowledge they have already gained.
2) Tang Soo Do has a "midnight blue" belt instead of your traditional black belt as the color black is considered bad luck. South Korea also has a Black Day, which is a sort of anti-Valentine's Day where individuals come together and celebrate being single.
3) Many martial arts forms are tied to tradition, which are heavily tied to belief or superstition. Really depends on how you view it. Specific Capoeira moves in modern times still reflect as a dance form in how slaves protected themselves in the past.
4) Similarlty, Kung Fu forms inspired by animals and other objects have heavy ties to Asian beliefs on protection, wealth, long life and good health.
5) During bouts, Muay Thai fighters have good luck charms in the form of amulets or bracelets.
6) Ninjutsu itself was built heavily on superstition tied to superhuman feats and paranormal activity. The ghost-like images of ninjutsu were in fact devised to protect them from the Samurai. Those thoughts carry on again, but Samurai ain't hanging out in Starbucks or pubs anymore.
7) Like so many martial artists, some of my friends in Taekwondo believe their belts are good luck charms. Or they believe specific uniforms or color combinations are good luck charms during tournaments.
8) This one's hard to explain: Some martial artists believe they can air-fight or defeat opponents without touching anyone. It's through what they call "chi" or "qi", or flow of energy (also claimed to be used for healing). Highly creative stuff, and it seems like a superstition that works for those who believe in it. The central topic of chi or qi is tied to many superstitions in Japanese, Korean and Chinese cultures.
9) Lots of Wizard of Oz-ish sorcery and black magic are central to many martial arts.
All said, there's a fine line between the beliefs and traditions in martial arts, and what may be considered superstition. I believe martial artists are only as good as the amount of work they put in.
It's so weird that you posted this because I have been practicing martial arts since I was five! I have never washed a belt-- I've never consciously thought about why, but now that I think about it, it is probably because I feel as though my belt contains some of my knowledge and I don't want that to get washed away. There are definitely many good luck charms for competitions. I have to use a specific kung fu fan every time, especially if I'm going to do any release moves. If I'm not using my special fan, I never let go of it during my routine. Thanks for posting!
I've posted this entry on my blog too. The fan obsession is interesting. In Kendo, I insisted on a certain helmet and belt for bouts in tournaments. But I lost anyways. Not obsessed, but I also needed to have Cocoa Krispies ahead of tournaments.
For Cantonese people, the number is eight is considered lucky, as the pronounciation is similar to prosperity.
Red is considered a lucky color for Chinese people. Traditionalky, Chinese would not wear white to a wedding, as that is what Chinese people will wear to funerals. (This is no longer strictly observed).
On Chinese New Year, don't sweep or take the trash out, as all of the year's good luck will also be thrown out.
My Taiwanese wife shared the following pregnancy related beliefs she learned while growing up: - Don't nail anything to a wall if someone in the household is pregnant, as the baby may end up with "holes" in their body. - Don't change the location/orientation of the bed the pregnant woman is sleeping on, as the God that looks after babies will not be able to find the bed if it is moved. (This includes rotating the mattress!) - Don't use scissors in the bedroom. (She is not sure what would happen if scissors were used though).
I have a few that I guess most Chinese people know about or even believe:
ReplyDeleteIn the first month in a Chinese calendar year, one should not have haircut or do any sewing work. These will bring bad luck.
Here is a more interesting one: Girls who like to hold their chopsticks close to the tips will get married and live close to her parents. If she holds them close to the top, she will marry someone far away.
And, a twitch in the left eyelid makes you rich; a twitch in the right eyelid implies bad luck.
Hope they can help. Just for fun..
GS
Thanks for contributing! I love the one about the chopsticks-- it's so cute! It reminds me a little bit of when girls pick flower petals and each petal either means that a boy "loves me" or "loves me not". I feel like this chopstick superstition is a great example of how superstitions don't always have to be about good/bad luck or warding off evil.
DeleteHere are some other superstitions from China that I found.
-Clipping toenails or fingernails at night brings ghosts.
-If somebody keeps a turtle as a pet, then his or her business will be ruined.
-An uncut noodle in a soup will increase longevity.
I got these superstitions from this website: http://popculture.knoji.com/15-top-chinese-superstitions/
Saw your link on your mom's blog...I have a few from India. Although many superstitions take form of customs over a period of time ...I will try to mention about only which involves an 'object':)
ReplyDelete1. Breaking of a glass, conveys bad news..death or something serious in family or friends
2. If you want to pass on salt to someone, do not give it in someone's hand else you will have differences and fight with that person. Funny, isn't it ? I tried many times but didn't work between me and my husband;)
3. Wearing a black thread around neck wards off evil eyes.
4. During house warming pooja(prayer), a pumpkin is tied outside of top of main entrance gate to ward off evil eyes. It has to be there until it dries off by itself and fall down. I came to know this when I saw this custom in South India.
5. A hanging made of lemon and green chillies is used in general to ward off evil eyes. It can be seen in shops, vehicles etc...very common in India. Looks like we have many options to choose from to ward off evil eyes or may be there are many evil eyes n India:)
6. If you donate any money to anyone or in temple, or even gift to anyone....then it should be an odd number else it is considered as unlucky ...most common donations are 51,101,121,151,1001 etc...this ensures that one rupee coin in India will never be discontinued:)
7. Keeping a knife under pillow doesn't bring bad dreams. That's a horrible concept.
8. There is a religious day in a year for snakes in India. In that day it is advised not to use any sharp objects like needles, sharpeners ,razors, knife , scissors etc. this will hurt the snake and then in turn they will harm you.
9. This one is funny.....if you don't want to go to loo, keep some pebbles in your hand and make a tight fist. Well, I that didn't work with me when I tried it the first time I came to know. I might be 10 years old and did the trial in school...I had to rush out from the class in emergency without taking teacher's permission:)
But I am happy my mom never practised or taught me any superstitions...but I learnt from the people around me as I grew. There are many more...hope few from above help you:)
Wow, thank you for such an extensive list of great object superstitions! I can't believe how many connections there are between cultures and their superstitions. I researched Scottish superstitions in-depth, and warding off the evil eye is prevalent in that culture's superstitions as well.
DeleteHaha I love the one about going to the bathroom!
Here are some interesting tidbits on what may be considered superstition in martial arts:
ReplyDelete1) Some never wash their martial arts belt for fear of losing the knowledge they have already gained.
2) Tang Soo Do has a "midnight blue" belt instead of your traditional black belt as the color black is considered bad luck. South Korea also has a Black Day, which is a sort of anti-Valentine's Day where individuals come together and celebrate being single.
3) Many martial arts forms are tied to tradition, which are heavily tied to belief or superstition. Really depends on how you view it. Specific Capoeira moves in modern times still reflect as a dance form in how slaves protected themselves in the past.
4) Similarlty, Kung Fu forms inspired by animals and other objects have heavy ties to Asian beliefs on protection, wealth, long life and good health.
5) During bouts, Muay Thai fighters have good luck charms in the form of amulets or bracelets.
6) Ninjutsu itself was built heavily on superstition tied to superhuman feats and paranormal activity. The ghost-like images of ninjutsu were in fact devised to protect them from the Samurai. Those thoughts carry on again, but Samurai ain't hanging out in Starbucks or pubs anymore.
7) Like so many martial artists, some of my friends in Taekwondo believe their belts are good luck charms. Or they believe specific uniforms or color combinations are good luck charms during tournaments.
8) This one's hard to explain: Some martial artists believe they can air-fight or defeat opponents without touching anyone. It's through what they call "chi" or "qi", or flow of energy (also claimed to be used for healing). Highly creative stuff, and it seems like a superstition that works for those who believe in it. The central topic of chi or qi is tied to many superstitions in Japanese, Korean and Chinese cultures.
9) Lots of Wizard of Oz-ish sorcery and black magic are central to many martial arts.
All said, there's a fine line between the beliefs and traditions in martial arts, and what may be considered superstition. I believe martial artists are only as good as the amount of work they put in.
It's so weird that you posted this because I have been practicing martial arts since I was five!
DeleteI have never washed a belt-- I've never consciously thought about why, but now that I think about it, it is probably because I feel as though my belt contains some of my knowledge and I don't want that to get washed away.
There are definitely many good luck charms for competitions. I have to use a specific kung fu fan every time, especially if I'm going to do any release moves. If I'm not using my special fan, I never let go of it during my routine.
Thanks for posting!
I've posted this entry on my blog too. The fan obsession is interesting. In Kendo, I insisted on a certain helmet and belt for bouts in tournaments. But I lost anyways. Not obsessed, but I also needed to have Cocoa Krispies ahead of tournaments.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI would love to!
DeleteI would love to!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Anyway to get in touch with you directly? feel free to e-mail me at khakra@gmail.com. Will provide the story outline and talk further.
Delete1. The number four is considered bad luck because it sounds like pronunciation sounds like death.
ReplyDelete2. Don't cut nails at night because then you won't be able to be there when your parents die.
3. Whistling at night attracts snakes.
4. Red wallets are bad because you will spend all your money.
5. Bad luck to only carry a single flower instead of a bouquet...I have no idea why.
6. Don't give food from chopstick to chopstick because it resembles the bone passing for cremation at funerals.
For Cantonese people, the number is eight is considered lucky, as the pronounciation is similar to prosperity.
ReplyDeleteRed is considered a lucky color for Chinese people. Traditionalky, Chinese would not wear white to a wedding, as that is what Chinese people will wear to funerals. (This is no longer strictly observed).
On Chinese New Year, don't sweep or take the trash out, as all of the year's good luck will also be thrown out.
My Taiwanese wife shared the following pregnancy related beliefs she learned while growing up:
- Don't nail anything to a wall if someone in the household is pregnant, as the baby may end up with "holes" in their body.
- Don't change the location/orientation of the bed the pregnant woman is sleeping on, as the God that looks after babies will not be able to find the bed if it is moved. (This includes rotating the mattress!)
- Don't use scissors in the bedroom. (She is not sure what would happen if scissors were used though).