Chinese taboos culture

Like any other race the Chinese has their fair share of taboos, some of them are related to the language and culture.

Red is considered an auspicious color and black is considered the exact opposite in its meaning. If you are invited to a joyous occasion like a wedding dinner or Chinese New Year dinner, as much as possible, try to wear red or colorful clothes. If you are attending a wake, try very hard to avoid red and color clothes, go for dark color clothes.

When a parent or senior member in the family is dying, the children, grand children and other close relatives will surround the death bed and listen to his last words. This is called “songzhong” and giving a clock as gift sounds like “songzhong” in Chinese. This is not so much of superstitious but Chinese just does not like the sound of it.

On the dining table, do not stick the chop stick into the bowl of rice that you are eating. Rest the chop stick on the table or plate. Do not shake your leg when you are eating, actually anywhere, it is unsightly and traditionally believe it will shake the luck away.

The number 4 sounds like “death” in Chinese, as such is considered an auspicious word. Most of the Chinese will avoid using this in mobile phone number, house block number.

  Death is a taboo which is not to be discussed in “joyous” occasions such as Chinese New Year, weddings or birthdays.Never buy a green hat for any male married friend, as wearing a green hat has the same meaning that his wife commits adultery. In china, you must avoid these taboos, otherwise people may think you are a impolite person.