Sunday

My family has never been very religious by any means, but there are those few traditions that I've grown up with that are just pieces of my culture. I've never really questioned or challenged why I do these things--but instead, i go with the flow to make my grandparents happy.

For example, this Sunday is Chinese New Year. I couldn't even tell you what 'year' it is, unless I looked it up, let's guess... I think last year was the year of the cow? Maybe not. Regardless, it's a new year and that means there are a few superstitious things we can and can't do.

So, on Sunday, I "shouldn't"...

1. Wash my hair. Really, I've been told you aren't supposed to shower either, but that's kind of gross, so to compromise, we shower and don't wash our hair. It has something to do with washing all of your good fortune and luck away and down the drain...

2. Clean or vacuum. I should clean and do all of the house chores before Sunday because otherwise you're sucking out and sweeping up all of the good fortune and luck that will make you prosperous and wealthy. It's along the same lines as the not-washing-my-hair thing.

3. Have debt. I shouldn't owe people money and I should have everything taken care of. If you have debt, this could be a sign that you'll be in financial trouble in the new year.

4. Cry. If you cry on New Years, you'll probably cry throughout the whole year, which means your year will be filled with troubles.

5. This isn't really a shouldn't, more of a should--wear red. Red is the color for good fortune and good luck. It's bright and festive and will put everyone in a good mood, usually...especially when you are single and you get red envelopes from all the married folk. And if you don't know what I mean by red envelope, I mean, you get a little treat (usually money), and typically it comes in pairs--so double your income!

And I can't forget the feast we'll get to share with the family. That's how my family spends time with one another--over a meal.