Where did Chinese superstitions come from?

Have you ever wondered why fish are believed to bring wealth in China? Some Chinese superstitions stem directly from the language. The Chinese language consists of a small number of syllables and sounds, making homonyms—words that are pronounced the same but have completely different meanings—very common. This superstition also has to do with the pronunciation of Chinese characters. The homonym for the word "fish," the character "yu," is... raise!

Why is an apartment on the 8th floor more expensive?

The Chinese are obsessed with numbers. A perfect example is the number eight, which sounds similar to the Chinese character "fa," meaning development and wealth. The Chinese are willing to pay significantly more for an apartment located on the eighth floor or a phone number containing this number. It's no coincidence that the 2008 Beijing Olympics opened on August 8th. Furthermore, on this special day, Chinese hospitals were overwhelmed, as many women wanted their children's birthdates to be composed of a combination of lucky numbers.

The number 4 is considered unlucky. Why? In Chinese, this word is pronounced similarly to the word for death. If you're planning to give a Chinese person a gift, make sure it doesn't contain four items.

Another number that brings good luck is 9. Nine, being the largest of the numbers, was associated with the emperor. Its pronunciation, however, is the same as the sign for longevity.

Why is a clock a bad gift?

The Chinese place great importance on the gifts they give and receive. There are many items that should not be given as they can cause the breakup of a relationship, the end of a friendship, or even death. A perfect example is a clock, or "zhong" in Chinese. The character "zhong" sounds similar to the words "song zhong," meaning a wish for an end.

Pears, on the other hand, are a symbol of separation! Because their name sounds similar to the character for "separate," married couples should not share or cut this fruit. The same applies to the umbrella, whose Chinese character also sounds similar to the word "separate." By giving an umbrella to a Chinese friend, we can let them know we don't want to continue the relationship.

When giving a gift, it's also important to choose the appropriate color for the wrapping. Gifts shouldn't be wrapped in black or white paper, as these colors are associated with death and mourning in China.

What gifts should you give to Chinese people?

As we celebrate the approaching Chinese New Year, we can give Niangao as gifts. These are special rice cakes baked at this time. Chinese people traditionally give them to those they wish for a promotion in the coming new year.

How to avoid attracting ghosts?

Many Chinese superstitions also concern the spirit world. These take on particular significance during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, when the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts is celebrated. This is the time when spirits come to earth from the afterlife. On this occasion, food is prepared on special altars and so-called divine money is burned, intended to appease evil spirits and keep them away from humans.

What are you not allowed to do during Ghost Month?

Misfortune can come from… whistling! If you choose to whistle at night, you could attract ghosts. You also shouldn't hang wet clothes outside at night. Hanging laundry not only looks like ghosts, but according to Chinese superstition, ghosts like dampness. If one decides to inhabit wet clothing, it will be very difficult to expel it.

During this month, swimming in lakes, seas, and oceans is also discouraged. The spirits residing there can drag swimmers underwater and cause them to drown.

If you're staying at a Chinese hotel during the holiday, be sure to knock on the door before entering your room to check for ghosts. If you hear noises in your room, it means ghosts are inside.

Walking on tiptoes can also cause trouble, as spirits move in the same way. Performing similar movements is disrespectful and can provoke them.

If you're walking down the street in China and see a red envelope lying around, you shouldn't pick it up. Such envelopes are abandoned on the streets by the parents of women who have died before their wedding. If they see a passing man pick up the envelope and take money from it, they demand that he marry their daughter's ghost. If the man refuses, he will suffer nightmares of a crying, unhappy woman until he agrees to marry the ghost.

The Chinese have a multitude of superstitions, which they adhere to very strictly. Do you know of any others? Share them in the comments.