Sometimes it takes a little personal effort to create our own good luck. In preparation for this year’s Lunar New Year festivities, here are a few things you can do to increase your chances of happiness and prosperity.
1. Clean up Early
Considered a sign of paying respect to the gods, be sure to clean and organize your home as a means to inviting good fortune that will last all year. Also, take time to declutter, getting rid of old things you no longer need. This represents getting rid of bad luck and negative energy while freeing up space for positive energy to come in and flow freely. Be sure to do this beforehand and not on New Year’s Day, as actions like this will be like washing away good luck.
2. Choose a sacred theme color
Choose a color that will be a running theme for your decorations and attire. The most auspicious colors for Chinese New Year are red, orange, and yellow. They are symbols of positive energy and good luck. They also invite happiness and long life. If feeling particularly unlucky, be sure to also wear red underwear as this will add to your good luck.
3. Prepare food offerings
Be generous with your food offerings this year, focusing on items that relate to the kind of luck you are looking for. For instance, fish is said to bring good fortune and abundance, while chicken symbolizes progress in your career. Oranges are a must for inviting wealth and prosperity, while bananas are wishes for new additions to the family.
4. Give and receive red envelopes
Red envelopes are used to dish out cash on Chinese New Year. When preparing your envelopes, ensure an even number for the amounts for them to be considered lucky, except for the number four as this denotes death. Depending on the region you may only target specific groups for giving these envelopes, like just kids or singles. Either way, you receive an envelope of cash should be considered a blessing.
5. Open all doors and windows
Just before the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, be sure to open all the doors and windows. This is a sign of inviting the good luck of the New Year to enter your home while letting the old year make its escape. You do not need to leave them open all night, but at least for about 10 minutes.