Why can't you get a haircut in the first month of 2022?

The first month of the lunar calendar is the first month, and the first day of the first month is the Spring Festival. In folk customs, there are many taboos during the first month of the lunar year, such as not taking a bath or washing your hair on the first and second days of the first lunar month. There is even a saying that you can’t cut your hair in the first month of the lunar year. Does that mean you can’t cut your hair in the first month of the lunar year? Why can’t we get a haircut during the first month of the lunar year?

Can't cut hair in the first month of 2022?

You can’t cut your hair in the first month of the lunar year. Because there has been a popular saying among the people that cutting your hair in the first month of the lunar year can easily lead to the death of your uncle, many people usually get their hair cut before the Spring Festival and wait until the first month of the lunar year is over before getting their hair cut. Especially since boys' hair grows very fast, legislation may be needed once a month. However, there is a bad saying circulating among the people that people who have taboos in the family will not go for a haircut and will have their hair cut before the New Year. But young people nowadays don’t really believe in this, thinking it is superstitious and has no relevant scientific basis.

Why can't you get a haircut in the first month of the lunar year?

It is a popular saying among the people that you cannot get a haircut in the first month of the lunar year. However, it is already the 21st century and some people don’t really believe it anymore. You can get a haircut if you need one. If it is a taboo in your family, you should just bear with it for now.

1. Reason 1 for not getting a haircut in the first month of the lunar year: homophony

According to the second volume of the Ye County Chronicles published in the 24th year of the Republic of China, "Customs", the answer to the custom was revealed: "I heard from the village elders that the Qing Dynasty issued an edict to shave the hair in the first month of the fourth year of Shunzhi. When the Ming Dynasty changed its system, the people thought of the old emperor by shaving their hair, so they said 'thinking of the past'. And "thinking of the past" is homophonic to "dead uncle", so the saying that you can't get a haircut in the first month of the year has been circulated among the people.

2. The second reason why you can’t get a haircut in the first month of the lunar year: the importance of hair

The "Book of Filial Piety" states: "The body and hair are given by parents. One should not damage them. This is the beginning of filial piety." Ancient Chinese people believed that "hair" was given by parents, so they had no right to "dispose of" their hair.

3. The third reason why you can’t get a haircut in the first month of the year: Traditional Chinese medicine

Spring is the season when all things sprout and innovate, and the growth of new things should not be prevented. When it comes to hair, it means letting the hair loose and allowing it to grow freely, and not cutting it, which goes against the spirit of spring growth.