Can I wash clothes on the second day of the first lunar month? What can’t I do on the second day of the first lunar month?

The Chinese New Year lasts from New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival on January 15th of the lunar calendar. At this time, every household puts up couplets, stays up all night, and welcomes the new year. In addition, we also have to abide by some customs and rules. So can I wash clothes on the second day of the first lunar month?

Can I wash clothes on the second day of the first lunar month?

You can’t wash clothes on the second day of the first lunar month;

According to legend, the second day of the first lunar month is the birthday of the Water God. It is best not to use water to wash clothes, otherwise the Water God will be unhappy and the family will suffer misfortune throughout the next year. Water is the guarantee of life for the people. It is precisely because of the need for water that people have endless imagination and awe of water, and the image of the water god has appeared among the people in response to people's needs. The reverence for the water god shows how much people hope for a peaceful place where they can live and work in peace and contentment, away from droughts and floods.

Things you can’t do on the second day of the first lunar month

1. No naps

You cannot take a nap during the day, otherwise you will be lazy for the whole year. The meaning is that during the Chinese New Year there are many guests visiting your home to pay New Year's greetings, and it would be disrespectful to take a nap during the day.

2. Do not dump sewage, garbage, or sweep the floor.

Avoid sweeping or cleaning during the Chinese New Year, as this will easily sweep away the wealth in the house.

3. The return gift cannot be single

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, a daughter cannot bring an odd number of gifts when she returns to her parents' home, as odd numbers are traditionally considered unlucky, and the gifts a son-in-law brings back to his parents' home must be in pairs.

4. No laundry

Water has its own god, and the water god’s birthday is on the first and second day of the Chinese New Year. Therefore, you should not wash clothes on the second day.

5. Do not allow others to take things out of your pocket

This means that all your money will be taken away by others throughout the year.

6. You cannot ask for debts from others

During the Chinese New Year, people who are being asked to pay debts or are asking others to pay debts will be unlucky for the whole year, so it is taboo to ask for debts from others.