12 Traditional Feng Shui Taboos
1. A mirror facing the bed
In folk traditions, mirrors are believed to have the ability to reflect "evil energy" and "Yin energy." When a mirror faces the bed directly, at night when the human body's Yang energy is at its weakest, the mirror will double the reflection of Yin energy in the bedroom onto the human body, leading to poor sleep quality, frequent nightmares, and easy awakening. From a psychological perspective, waking up in the middle of the night and seeing oneself in the mirror can cause a sense of shock, which over time affects mental state. In Feng Shui theory, a mirror facing the bed is also thought to disrupt the bedroom's energy field, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings between couples, affecting their relationship harmony. Additionally, the reflective effect of the mirror is believed to reflect the family's financial and offspring luck outward, making it difficult for the family to accumulate wealth and hindering the development of future generations.
2. Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice
In Chinese culture, upright chopsticks in rice are used only during memorial rituals. Doing this during everyday meals is considered inappropriate. Culturally, it symbolizes mourning, and practically, it breaks dining etiquette and creates discomfort for those at the table.
3. Turning back repeatedly while walking at night
Folk belief says that each person carries protective energy, often symbolized as lights on the shoulders. Constantly turning around at night is thought to weaken that sense of protection. Psychologically, frequent backward glances increase fear and anxiety and make people more prone to imagining danger where there is none.
4. Opening an umbrella indoors
The word for “umbrella” sounds similar to the word “separation” in Chinese. Opening one indoors is traditionally seen as a sign of disharmony. From a practical perspective, umbrellas bring in moisture and dirt, which can disrupt the indoor environment and comfort of a home.
5. Looking into mirrors late at night
Nighttime lighting can distort reflections, making mirrors unsettling. Traditional belief connects mirrors with spiritual sensitivity at night, but from a modern angle, this taboo reflects the tendency for shadows and reflections to trigger fear or misinterpretation when the mind is tired.
6. Cutting nails at night
Folklore claims that the human spirit resides in the nails, and cutting nails at night can harm the human spirit, causing it to leave the body and resulting in the loss of one's spiritual energy. Additionally, cutting nails at night is believed to attract evil spirits to compete for the spiritual energy in the nails, bringing bad luck. From a scientific perspective, the dim lighting at night makes it easy to cut fingers when trimming nails, leading to infection and pain. Moreover, the body's metabolism slows down at night, and the growth rate of nails also decreases, making it unfavorable for healthy nail growth.
7. A bed directly facing the main door
Beds facing doors were traditionally associated with funeral arrangements. Practically, this setup exposes sleepers to light, noise, and airflow, which can disturb rest and create a feeling of insecurity.
8. Giving pears as gifts or sharing one pear
In Chinese, the word “pear” sounds like “separation.” Because of this association, pears are avoided as gifts, especially between couples or family members. This custom reflects emotional sensitivity rather than literal belief.
9. Whistling or singing while walking at night
Traditionally, making noise at night was believed to attract unwanted attention. Psychologically, it can increase alertness and anxiety, especially in dark or unfamiliar places, making people feel less safe.
10. Killing a snake that enters the home
Snakes are traditionally seen as protectors of the household. Harming one is believed to damage household fortune. From a modern view, snakes help control pests and play an important ecological role, so avoiding harm makes sense practically as well.
11. Borrowing money on the first day of the Lunar New Year
The first day of the year symbolizes beginnings. Lending or borrowing money on this day is seen as sending wealth away. Psychologically, people prefer to start the year without debt or financial pressure.
12. Choosing the first or last hotel room
Rooms at the ends of hallways are often quieter, less central, and sometimes poorly ventilated. Traditional belief labels them as energetically unstable, while modern reasoning points to isolation, security concerns, and reduced comfort as the real issues.
