Chinese culture has a long history of beliefs and superstitions around luck, both good and bad. Many traditional Chinese superstitions stem from folk religions and philosophies such as Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The Chinese zodiac animal signs and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) also influence beliefs about fortune, destiny, and omens. Though some taboos may seem outdated or silly, they hold meaning and cautionary wisdom. Understanding Chinese views on luck can provide insight into this ancient culture.
Numbers
Some numbers are considered unlucky in Chinese culture because their pronunciations sound similar to words that connote bad meanings. Here are some examples:
| Number | Pronunciation | Sounds like | Meaning |
| 4 | si | death | Death |
| 7 | qi | arise | Ghost/spirit |
| 14 | shi si | definite death | Guaranteed death |
The number 4 is so disliked that many buildings in China skip labeling the 4th floor, going straight from 3 to 5. Giving items in sets of four is taboo, while sets of seven or fourteen should be avoided as gifts. Though eight is considered the luckiest number in Chinese culture, even numbers are generally preferred over odd.
Colors
In Chinese color symbolism, certain colors represent luck, prosperity and positivity, while others signify negativity. Here are some popular examples:
| Color | Meaning |
| Red | Happiness, good fortune, celebration |
| Yellow | Royalty, nobility, prosperity |
| Green | Growth, vitality, health |
| White | Death, sadness, misfortune |
| Black | Evil, darkness, mystery |
Red is the most auspicious color in Chinese culture. It appears everywhere during Chinese New Year and other holidays and festivals. Yellow symbolizes royalty and wealth. However, white is associated with death and used at funerals, while black is inauspicious. Avoiding these darker colors in gifts or attire can steer clear of bad omens.
Symbols
Many symbols, animals, and gifts have superstitious connotations in China. Here are some well-known taboos:
| Item | Meaning |
| Clocks | Reminder of passing or shortening time |
| Pears | Sounds like “separate” in Mandarin |
| Chrysanthemums | Flowers used at funerals |
| White flowers | Sign of death, loss |
| Butterflies | Souls of the dead |
Giving a clock signals that time is running out. Pronouncing “pear” sounds like the word for “separate” or “leave” in Chinese, so they make undesirable gifts. Chrysanthemums and white flowers are used at funerals, so they carry a morbid association. Butterflies evoke images of souls or spirit possession. Avoiding these symbolic taboos wards off bad fortune.
Feng Shui
Feng shui, the ancient Chinese system of arranging spaces to promote harmony and balance, also influences luck. Here are some feng shui principles to follow:
| Principle | Reasoning |
| Face washroom doors away from front doors | Avoids qi energy rushing out the front |
| Don’t have three doors in a straight line | Qi will flow out too quickly |
| Avoid overhead beams | Inauspicious energy called “knife sha” |
| Declutter desks and walkways | Blocked paths prevent qi flow |
Bathroom and front doors aligning allows positive energy to flow out. Multiple aligned doors also lead energy astray. Low overhead beams metaphorically “cut” the qi. Cluttered spaces prevent harmonious energy movement. Follow feng shui layouts to keep luck contained.
Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac assigns animal signs to years in a 12-year cycle. Each sign has attributes and compatibilities thought to influence personality and fortune. Here are some notable fates according to the Chinese zodiac:
| Sign | Fate |
| Snake | Destined for prosperity |
| Horse | Hot tempered and restless |
| Rooster | Prone to gossiping |
| Rat | Opportunistic and stubborn |
The snake is the most intuitive and successful sign. Horses are intelligent but impatient. Roosters are proud but petty. Rats are resourceful but headstrong. Personality clashes impact relationship compatibility. Consulting the zodiac helps assess fortunes.
Days, Dates, and Times
Certain days, lunar dates, and times are thought to be inauspicious in Chinese culture. Avoiding these is said to prevent misfortune. Examples include:
| Date | Reason |
| Every 9th and 18th day | Pronounced like “death” and “definitely death” |
| Lunar July (Ghost Month) | Hungry ghosts roam freely |
| Chinese New Year’s Eve | Letting bad luck from old year linger |
The 9th and 18th days sound similar to “death” utterances. Ghost month is considered dangerous. And the very end of a year risks carrying over previous bad energy. Being mindful of these temporal taboos helps start months and years off right.
Words and Phrases
Speaking certain words or phrases can jinx good fortune in Chinese superstition. Negative words should be avoided. Examples include:
| Words | Reason |
| Sickness | May manifest illness |
| Ghosts | May attract spirits |
| Unlucky | Invites bad luck |
| Death | Omen of impending death |
Saying “sick” risks actually becoming ill. Talking about ghosts may summon them. “Unlucky” is self-fulfilling. And mentioning death is tempting fate. Watch your words and language to steer clear of unintentionally beckoning doom.
Gestures and Body Language
Certain gestures and body language are considered bad omens in China. Avoid the following:
| Gesture | Meaning |
| Pointing at moon | Causes bad luck to descend |
| Ringing bells | Calls spirits from the underworld |
| Beckoning with palms up | Invites ghosts to possess you |
| Sticking tongue out | Attracts evil spirits |
Pointing at the moon risks cutting off good fortune. Ringing bells randomly supposedly disturbs underworld souls. Holding your palms up waves up evil. Sticking your tongue out invites demon possession. Avoid these unlucky motions.
Gift Giving Taboos
Certain gift items or practices are forbidden in Chinese culture. Never give:
| Item | Reason |
| Watches | Symbolizes time running out |
| Green hats | Implies wife cheating |
| Scissors, knives | Cuts relationship ties |
| Even numbered gifts | Pairs imply separating |
Watches rush time. Green hats refer to cheating spouses. Knives sever bonds. Even numbers split up pairs. Follow gift giving etiquette to avoid cursing relationships.
Chinese Ghost Month Taboos
Ghost Month in the Chinese lunar calendar brings heightened superstitions. During this precarious time, take heed avoiding:
| Activity | Reason |
| Swimming | Risks possession by water ghosts |
| Leaving homes empty | Invites ghosts to inhabit it |
| Wandering alone at night | Increased ghost encounters |
| Attending weddings | Inauspicious timing |
Swimming where ghosts drowned is dangerous. Empty homes tempt spirit squatters. Solo night strolls risk ghost run-ins. Weddings must wait after the ghost month passes. Take extra care during this eerie time.
Funeral and Burial Customs
Chinese funeral rites feature many taboos and superstitions:
| Practice | Reason |
| Covering mirrors | Spirits trapped in reflection |
| Calling deceased by name | Can summon spirits |
| Rearranging graves | Disturbs spirit resting place |
| Taking photos | Captures souls in images |
Covering mirrors prevents trapping transitioning souls. Using names beckons spirits. Rearranging gravesites upsets spirits. Taking photos snares souls. Funeral traditions ward off vengeance and unrest.
Conclusion
Though some Chinese superstitions may seem dated or far-fetched, they signify deeper meanings. Numbers, colors, symbols, animals, omens and taboos reflect Chinese philosophies intertwining humanity with the universe and environment. Heeding fortune tellers and practices brings peace of mind. Chinese culture’s complex web of luck merits respectful understanding, not dismissal. While beliefs evolve with the times, these traditions leave lasting impressions on Chinese identity. Mastering the nuances helps build cultural rapport and wisdom.
