Chinese Superstitions 101: Why Red Underwear in the New Year?
REC
If you think the reason people in China wear red underwear is to find
love like people in Mexico and other Latin American countries do, you
are wrong. There’s nothing romantic about it. Instead, people who need
to wear it, believe they are likely to face more challenges or troubles
than usual in their zodiac year (本命年 běnmìng nián), and that
they need to wear red to ward off bad luck every single day of the New
Year. Sounds confusing? Here are some stories and explanations behind
it.
What and when is Zodiac Year of Birth (本命年 Běnmìng nián)?
Every year is considered to be managed by a God of Age (太岁 Tàisuì); if you were born under the same sign as the Tàisuì of that year, you are more likely to have the Evil Spirit (凶星 Xiōngxīng) get you in trouble.
How to ward off bad luck in your Běnmìng Nián?
Wear red
The most common and popular way is to wear red underwear. Other than that, a red waist belt, red bracelet, or any other red clothing is supposed to help. But all this red stuff must be purchased by other people; otherwise the effect is believed to be greatly reduced.
Wear jade, crystal, or gold accessories
Jade, crystal, and gold are said to have enough spiritual power to drive away the evil spirit in Chinese culture. That’s why you can see a lot of people, especially old people, wearing these kinds of accessories in China.
Worship the God of Age
As each year is controlled by a God of Age (太岁 Tàisuì), people also choose to go to temples to worship the God of Age and make a wish every year.
What’s special about red in Chinese culture?
Photo: pixabay.com, shutterstock.com, fengshuitoday.com, tripsavvy.com
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