China is a country full of many beliefs and customs which account for their superstitions. Every country, culture and religion has superstitions, which explains why they do certain things which may seem strange to us. Seeing as China is heavy influencing most of the world in one way or another, getting accustomed to some of these superstations may be beneficial for when you meet a Chinese person or try to establish business with them. So when you go on your China Flights and have your China Tours, bear it in mind.
The most commonly known superstitions by most of the western countries is the large importance placed on the numbers 4 and 8. The number 4 in China is an unlucky number as when pronounced in Chinese, sounds similar to death. Chinese people try to avoid using the number 4 as much as possible. So if you see a building without a 4th floor that is the reason. The number 8 is associated with wealth as when pronounced it sounds similar to it and so is seen as being extremely lucky. For example mobile phones and number plates ending with the number 8, are considerably more costly.
Another popular superstition of the Chinese people is that eating noodles will not be easy in China. This is because the popular belief is that an uncut noodle in soup will increase longevity. If the noodle is cut it will cut the longevity. Some times people may chock if the noodle is too long. Not only this but Chinese people eat noodles when it is their birthday as they believe it will increase longevity.
Animal are seen to be very auspicious. Different animals represent different meanings, and this may help clarify why you may see certain animals in places around China. Dragons have been associated with Chinese superstitions for thousands of years. They are not seen as fire-breathing monsters but more so of being capable of bestowing happiness. Phoenixes are also auspicious and generally represent the female gender. Lions are fierce and powerful – and therefore great animals to have as stone statues guarding your gate. I have seen this many a times in my travels around Beijing, especially in places such as Forbidden city and the Summer Palace. Tortoises are revered for their longevity, something which cranes can also represent. However others also believe that if one encages and keeps a turtle as a pet, it will slow down his business and fortune. Notoriously tigers are symbols of strength and health.
These are some of the superstitions that may help you understand most common things about the Chinese. But here are some others that you may not see for yourself on your China Travels. If a dog starts to howl for no reason at night someone has died. Nails should not be cut at night as it means financial troubles. Men should not have beards and moustaches because it is seen as being unlucky and misfortune is upon the man. These are just a few superstitions but find out more for yourself when you visit China.
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