During the Chinese Lunar New Year, as in life in general, there are rules to observe.

Such is the power of tradition handed down over generations, and perhaps augmented by latter-day thinking, that many practices from years gone by are still in effect today, albeit some in altered or updated form.

Most fascinating, however, are the beliefs behind these customs.

Spring Festival

To understand Chinese New Year -- and the beliefs it entails -- is to understand the history of Chinese society.

The new year differs from that of the Western Gregorian calendar because it is based on the lunar calendar. As such, Chinese New Year takes place on a different date each year.

It has long been known also as the Spring Festival, as the end of winter had long been seen as the start of a new year in olden times.

Today, Chinese New Year is observed for 15 days, with the last day known as Yuan Xiao Jie, or chap gor mei – in essence, a Chinese Valentine's Day.

Leading up to the new year, and during those 15 days, there are many rules to take note of. Some of these are straightforward: never wear funereal colours such as black, gray, or white; instead, favour cheery colours, especially auspicious shades of red or gold.

Try not to speak ill: sharing ghost stories, using cuss words, and talking about death and misfortune are considered inauspicious.

And in the true spirit of starting the new year on a positive note, sharing sweets is encouraged; a sweet start augurs well for the ensuing months.

Without further ado, let’s explore further what the Dos-and-Don’ts of Chinese New Year are.

Do

Refurbish, Bring in the New, and Spring Clean

Out with the old, in with the new -- the old adage rings true here. A fresh start is the idea here. People often prepare for the new year by having a spring cleaning, or by sprucing up their home with bits of refurbishment or by bring in new furnishings and whatnot. As much as you can, deck your house out in red adornments, ranging from banners to signs to greeting cards.

Ushered out with the old belongings is the bad luck of the past, while a fresh, clean home welcomes good luck. (Note: Keep windows open more than usual, so that the good luck is not hindered on its way in.)

Settle Accounts

If you owe someone money, try to pay it off. Carrying a debt into the new year is believed to ensure that you leave the year still in debt.

Partake in Reunion Dinner, and Burn the Midnight Oil

Always come home for reunion dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve with your family -- sit around a round table if possible. The symbolism here is that this dinner, and table, is sign that the family will stay intact. Children are also encouraged to stay up as late as possible on this event. This practice, known as shou sui, is believed to help prolong the lives of their parents.

Stock up on Food, especially the Sweet Stuff

A well-stocked larder portends a household that will not be wanting. In other words, having enough food at the start of the year is to ensure this trend endures for the whole year. And at Chinese New Year, sweets and sweet meats are shared, so that bitterness is kept at bay.

Don’t

Clean the wrong way

While Spring Cleaning -- before the new year -- is good, sweeping out the door is seen as literally sweeping luck out of your home. In fact, any sort of cleaning during the New Year festivities is forbidden, and all cleaning implements are to be kept. If you want to clean, do it ahead of time.

Run with scissors

This is a good policy at any time of the year. Kidding aside, sharp objects like knives and scissors are to be put away, for fear that they may ‘cut’ one’s luck off.

Read books

The Chinese love their homophones. The name of Mandarin oranges or ‘kum’, ubiquitous during the new year, sound like the word for ‘gold’. On the other hand, the word for ‘book’ sounds like the word for ‘lose’. Little wonder why books aren’t welcomed at this time of year.

Cry

Stay away from sentimental movies, and spare the rod for your child. Crying can only lead to more crying later in the year. Let’s everybody stay cheery and hope that feeling lasts, ok?

Buy shoes

Apparently, one should not buy shoes, even if they are on sale. It is believed that to buy shoes at this point would be to invite rough times in the future for yourself.

Bear in mind that such customs and traditions differ within each community. But if you are a traditionalist, and hope for good times ahead, surely it cannot hurt to follow some of these Dos-and-Don’ts?