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The holiday, more aptly called Lunar New Year, marks the start of a new lunar cycle and is one of the most important holidays in Asia. With festivities taking place all around the world, here are the common superstitions and traditions that will start the Year of the Rat right.

Don't touch your cleaning supplies

If you plan to clean your house during the holidays, maybe it's time to think twice. According to Chinese folklore, cleaning out the house is tantamount to cleaning out your fortune and potential wealth. So cleaning out the house, taking out the garbage as well as washing your clothes and hair is strictly forbidden on Lunar New Year.

No scary stories

Tales of death, ghosts, and dying are considered supremely inauspicious most especially during Chinese New Year. It's unlucky just to say the word “death” because the Chinese believe that it could bring death into your life at some point during the upcoming year.

Wear something red

Chinese New Year is packed with colors and while any bright color is said to bring luck, but it's red that sets the heart racing. You'll find everything from belts, wallets, heck even underwear throughout Chinese New Year.

This lucky color also shows up in red envelopes called “hong bao” that are exchanged during the Lunar New Year. The Chinese often give these envelopes filled with cash to family and friends to symbolize a year of prosperity.

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Open your windows

It's out with the old and in with the new! In China, it is believed that opening your windows to welcome in the fresh air will let in good luck for the year ahead. Tradition says that families should open their front doors at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve so all the spirits and energy from the previous year can escape and make room for everything to come.

No sharp objects

Sharp objects like knives, needles, should be put away as it is believed to be harbingers of bad luck as their sharp points cut out your luck for the year ahead. So try to avoid any activities that use these tools as well, which means no sewing and no visits to the hairdresser.

Avoid odd numbers

Odd numbers are considered inauspicious, especially when gifting money to someone else. In the Lunar New Year, make sure that if you're giving cash to someone, the total equals an even number -- most especially the number eight.

Chow down on some sweets

If you have a sweet tooth, then prepare for a feast as eating sweets during Chinese New Year means your upcoming year will be even sweeter than the last. Glutinous rice balls, red bean paste, even candy boxes are often given out during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Chinese New Year may be a time for friends, family, and fun, but it is also a time for foreboding as the festival is riddled with superstitions. Even if you aren't a superstitious person, it's best to be familiar with the most popular customs before celebrating the Lunar New Year to avoid any cultural faux pas.

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