New Year's Taboo
Yuan-dan is the first day of the year. According
to some customs, activities like sweeping the
floor, borrowing fire from others, drawing water
and using needles and scissors are taboo. Also,
dumping garbage and manure is prohibited. People
refrain from eating porridge or rice soaked
in tea. If someone is not up when it is already
light, others are not to wake him. If a man
goes out, he should walk in the direction of
the God of Happiness. People set up tables on
which joss sticks and candles are lit. Such
activities are undertaken to pray for a whole
year of peace. |
