Chinese Taboos That’ll Make The Elders Rage During CNY

Chinese New Year marks a fresh beginning filled with prosperity, happiness, and good vibes.

To make sure you don’t accidentally invite bad luck into 2026, here are 10 common taboos to avoid during the festive season — better safe than sorry! 

1. Don’t Sweep or Clean on the First Day

First day already, don’t start sweeping the house la. People say you’ll be sweeping away all your good luck and wealth. All the cleaning should’ve been done before CNY starts, okay? 

2. Don’t Break Anything 

Plates, bowls, glasses — try not to break anything during CNY. Breaking stuff is said to bring bad luck or broken relationships. If really accident, quickly say something auspicious and move on. 

Chinese New Year just started, don’t la lend or borrow money. 

It’s believed you’ll be stuck with money problems for the whole year. 

3. Don’t Lend or Borrow Money 

Chinese New Year just started, don’t la lend or borrow money. It’s believed you’ll be stuck with money problems for the whole year. Best is settle all debts before CNY and enjoy in peace. Instead, save your money until your most anticipated movies are coming and watch it in TGV IMAX!

4. Don’t Use Unlucky Words 

This one very important ah! Don’t talk about sickness, death, or bad luck. 

What you say during CNY is believed to set the tone for the year. So keep it positive, happy, and full of good wishes. 

5. No Haircuts On The First Day of CNY! 

Let your barber also rest on CNY la! People believe cutting hair means cutting away your luck and wealth. 

6. No Black and White Clothing 

Black and white usually associated with funerals, not CNY vibes. Wearing them during CNY is considered inauspicious. Go for red, gold, or bright colours… more festive, more luck! Keep it classy and red, like our TGV staff!

7. Don’t Visit People Empty-Handed 

If you’re visiting friends or relatives during CNY, don’t show up empty-handed. Mandarin oranges, snacks, or small festive gifts are a sign of goodwill. It’s more about the gesture than how fancy the gift is. 

8. No time for Naps During The Day! 

This is your only opportunity to be as much of a party animal and extrovert without people judging! Napping means you for sure will be lazy for the rest of the year. 

9. Don’t Rush to Open Your Ang Paos! 

Confirm will have enough money for your shopping expenses, so can open later in private! Better to be polite to your relatives, if not no more ang pao next year! 

10. Don’t Skip Out On TGV’s Ma-rvelous Chinese New Year Celebration!

Chinese New Year is all about family — the reunions, the laughter and tears of joy… and what better way to celebrate together than with a movie date at TGV? 🎬✨

Start the year on a joyful note (and maybe attract a little extra love, luck, health, and prosperity while you’re at it). We’ve also got festive promotions lined up EVERY FESTIVE SEASON to make your celebrations even more rewarding.

And we’re more than just movies. We’ve got our customary Chinese zodiac readings for all 12 animals. Curious to see what the year has in store for you, or looking for a little guidance to kick things off right? Click here to discover your 2026 zodiac forecast. 🧧✨