What are the customs of the year of birth? Seven customs and taboos you must know

The year of one’s birth, which comes once every twelve years, is something that every Chinese person is very concerned about. What are the customs and taboos of the year of one’s birth? Let’s learn about the customs and taboos of the year of birth through the article below!

What are the customs of the year of birth?

1. Worship the "God of Life" to prolong life

Some places call the natal deity "the guardian god of life" and some call it "the natal star god", collectively known as the sixty Jiazi gods. Starting with the year of Jiazi, people born in different years within sixty years can find their own natal god. For example, the national hero Yue Fei was born in 1103 AD, the year of Guiwei in the lunar calendar, and his natal star god was "Guiwei Tai Sui Wei Rener General". According to Taoism, in order to cultivate one's true self and refine one's character, one must devote oneself to one's natal star. Worshiping one's natal star in one's natal year or in ordinary years will ward off disasters and gain blessings, and this custom has been passed down to this day.

2. Tie a red belt

When it is the year of one's birth, both adults and children in northern China buy red belts and wear them, commonly known as "tying red". Children also have to wear red socks and red shorts (commonly known as "the three things of the year of birth"), believing that this will help them to avoid misfortune and disaster.

This custom has been passed down to this day, and even though many traditional folk customs have become less known, this custom still endures. Especially when the Spring Festival is approaching every year, people who are about to face their zodiac year will pay attention to it. This is one of the reasons why the red and yellow silk ribbons, known as "auspicious belts" and "auspicious knots", are so popular in the market. People in their zodiac year tie them around their waists or wrists, believing that this can dispel disasters and turn bad luck into good luck.

3. Wear red underwear

The custom of wearing red underwear in one’s birth year is very popular everywhere. However, according to the customs in many places, this kind of red underwear must be given by others. It is said that in this way, the effect of warding off evil spirits will be greatly enhanced.

4. Wearing Pixiu

In your birth year, you should wear a Pixiu consecrated by Boyuanxuan. Pixiu (also known as Tianlu, Pixie, Baijie) is a mythical beast in ancient Chinese mythology and legends. It has a dragon head, a horse body, and unicorn feet. It looks like a lion, has gray fur, and can fly. Boyuanxuan Pixiu has the function of driving away evil spirits and bringing joy and good luck.