The phases of the moon are changing and the lunar new year has been ushered in. The year of the horse is here and all the bad luck of the old year is washed away.
Through some sort of divine intervention, Chinese culture has become something of a trend in recent weeks. The phrase “I’m at a very Chinese time in my life right now” is something that has been passed around the channels of social media. The cultural relevance of China is a very interesting and unexpected phase of the media cycle.
But how does one actually have a “Chinese time” in their current stage in life?
One, Two, Skip a Few
Numbers play a big part in Chinese superstitions and traditions. Homophones, words that sound like other words, are a driving factor in these beliefs.
While “lucky number seven” is what Western culture is used to, the luckiest number in the Chinese language is just one up. Eight in Chinese is “八” (Bā), which sounds a lot like the word “发” (fā). This word relates to a lot of phrases about wealth and prosperity. Most notably, the phrase “恭喜发财” (Gōngxǐ fācái) is commonly said around Chinese New Year. It roughly translates to “wishing you good fortune and prosperity”.
As a result, house numbers, number plates, dates and anything in eights is considered a sign of good luck.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the unluckiest number is four, “四” (Sì). It has similarities to the word for death. Anything in sets of four or numbers containing the number four, is a big no-no.
The Art of the Gift
Homophones also play a large part in gift-giving in Chinese culture.
While giving gifts in numbers of four or eight also creates an impact, there are key items that may look unassuming but could have a double meaning when given to someone. The Chinese word for shoes, “鞋” (xié), sounds like the word for evil “邪” (xié), so these gifts are often thought of as a sign of bad luck.
Sharing a pear with someone “分梨” (fēn lí) could indicate wanting to part ways with them “分离” (fēnlí). If you think giving someone a clock would be harmless enough, you’d be wrong too! A clock could be interpreted as you waiting for that person to die, and unless they’re your mortal enemy, that’s not a message you’d want to convey.
In My Room…
Interior design plays a big part in Chinese culture and auspiciousness. The way your bed is placed, what your door opens up on or even where your desk sits. They all have more important implications than you might know. Most important of all is the bedroom.
Your bed should be up against a solid wall not facing the doorway. As sleep is a very integral part of recharging yourself and your energy. Placing your bed against a solid wall provides stability that improves sleep. Ensuring your bed isn’t directly facing an open doorway also ensures that the energy you cultivate in your sleep doesn’t flow out the door.
The popularity of Chinese culture online is something of a mystery, but trending cycles always change and grow in mysterious ways. Of course, it’s important to remember that Chinese culture isn’t just a trend, but something cherished by over a billion people worldwide. Harmless jokes online have led to China being spotlighted, but it also gives people the opportunity to learn about a new culture they may not have known about before.
In this Chinese time in your life, remember to always spread prosperity and love to people of all backgrounds!
Tag us on Instagram, @VALLEYMag, with pictures of the ways you celebrate Chinese culture!
