Embracing Chinese New Year: A Guide to Dos and Don'ts

Feb 13
3 min read

Celebrating Chinese New Year soon? Discover key dos and don’ts, cultural customs, and festive etiquette to help you navigate the season with confidence.

Red gift boxes and a bag with floral designs on a table, surrounded by sweets, flowers, and oranges. Text: "Lady M New York." Festive mood.

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a vibrant and meaningful celebration that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar across many East Asian cultures. It is a time for family reunions, festive meals, and the observance of long-standing traditions believed to usher in good fortune and prosperity.

As families and friends gather to welcome the new year, being mindful of cultural customs and etiquette helps ensure that celebrations remain respectful and auspicious. Below is a practical guide to the key dos and don’ts to observe during Chinese New Year.

The Dos:

Woman in a pink traditional dress gives thumbs up, smiling. Family dines at a round table in the background. Red festive decor adorns the room.

AI Image: Gemini

Offer and Receive Red Packets (Hongbao)

Do give red packets: Red packets containing money symbolise blessings, luck, and prosperity. They are traditionally given by elders or married adults to children, younger relatives, and unmarried individuals. When giving red packets, present them with both hands as a sign of respect. In support of sustainability, many people now opt for e-red packets or QR-based gifts to reduce paper waste while maintaining the spirit of the tradition.

Wear Red Attire

Do wear red: Red is associated with happiness, vitality, and good fortune. Wearing red clothing or accessories during Chinese New Year is considered an auspicious gesture and helps set a festive tone.

Exchange Greetings

Do offer well wishes: Exchange greetings like "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (Mandarin) or "Kung Hei Fat Choi" (Cantonese), both of which convey wishes for prosperity and wealth in the coming year.

Pro Tip: Learning a few simple phrases can go a long way! Try practicing these easy greetings before your festive house visits to surprise your hosts with your well wishes.

Participate in Traditional Activities

Do engage in customs: Take part in traditional practices such as lion and dragon dances, temple visits, and festive performances. These activities are believed to ward off negative energy and invite good luck.

Show Respect to Elders

Do practise respect: Paying respect to elders is central to Chinese New Year celebrations. This includes greeting them first, using appropriate titles, and offering sincere well wishes for health and longevity.

Share Meals

Do gather over meals: Reunion dinners and shared meals are an important part of the celebration. Participating in these gatherings strengthens family bonds and reinforces the spirit of togetherness.

The Don'ts:

Woman in red embroidered coat crosses arms in a busy street with red lanterns and signs. She looks determined. Festive atmosphere.

AI Image: Gemini

Avoid Unlucky Numbers

Do not use unlucky numbers: Certain numbers are avoided during Chinese New Year due to negative associations. The number four, for example, sounds similar to the word for death in Chinese and is considered inauspicious. Avoid giving gifts in sets of four.

Refrain from Negative Words

Do not use negative words: Conversations involving bad luck, illness, or misfortune are discouraged during the festive period. Chinese New Year is meant to set a positive tone for the year ahead.

Don't Visit Sick People

Do not visit the ill: Visiting someone who is unwell during Chinese New Year is traditionally believed to bring bad luck. Such visits are best postponed until after the celebrations.

Don't Break Things

Do not break objects: Accidents happen, but breaking things during Chinese New Year is considered inauspicious. Take extra care to avoid damaging items or causing disruptions.

Don't Sweep or Clean on New Year's Day

Do not sweep or clean on the first day: Cleaning on New Year’s Day is believed to sweep away incoming good fortune. Homes are typically cleaned thoroughly before the celebrations begin instead.

Refuse Food and Hospitality

Avoid declining hospitality: Accepting food when offered is considered polite and respectful. Refusing may unintentionally signal rejection of goodwill or blessings.

As you join in the festivities of Chinese New Year, keeping these dos and don'ts in mind will help you navigate the celebration with cultural sensitivity and respect. Embracing the customs, sharing in the joyous atmosphere, and extending warm wishes to others contribute to a harmonious and meaningful Lunar New Year celebration.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

First published: 27 Jan 2024

Updated: 13 Feb 2026