17/02/2026
In Chinese culture, construction, renovation, and heavy labor are generally avoided during the Chinese New Year period (specifically the first few days and often up to the 15th day) to avoid disturbing the "good energy" of the new year.
Here are the main "don'ts" in construction and related activities during Chinese New Year:
1. No Disruptive Renovation or Heavy Labor
* Avoid Hacking, Drilling, and Knocking: Loud construction, such as hacking walls, drilling, or noisy renovations, should not be done, particularly on the first day of the new year, as this is believed to invite negative energy and disrupt the peace, potentially causing bad luck in the coming year.
* Pause Non-Essential Work: Heavy labor-intensive tasks should be stopped. The new year is meant for resting and celebrating with family.
2. No Breaking of Tools or Materials
* Avoid Breaking Tools: Breaking tools or equipment during this time is seen as a bad omen.
* Avoid Damaging Objects: Breaking any items, such as tiles, pipes, or glass, is considered a sign of breaking one's fortune and is believed to cause misfortune for the year.
3. No Use of Sharp Objects
* Avoid Using Tools That Cut: Tools like knives, saws, and scissors should be put away. Using sharp objects is thought to "cut" your fortune or interrupt the flow of luck.
* No "Cutting" or "Piercing": The act of using sharp tools is seen as a sign of cutting off wealth or causing conflict.
4. No Cleaning/Sweeping (Construction Waste)
* Do Not Sweep Away Wealth: Cleaning, sweeping, or removing construction dust and debris on the first day is heavily discouraged. It is believed that cleaning on this day sweeps away wealth and good fortune.
* No Dumping Waste: Dumping trash or debris, particularly through the front door, is considered bad practice, as it signifies throwing out good luck.
5. No Major Project Initiation
• Avoid Starting New Projects: Starting a new construction project or making major decisions (like signing contracts) should be avoided, particularly before the fifth or seventh day, to avoid an unstable start to the year.
Key Takeaway: The focus during the first few days of Chinese New Year is on peace, harmony, and welcoming good luck, which is why noisy, messy, or destructive activities are traditionally avoided.
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