During Chinese New Year, sweeping or throwing out trash is forbidden because it symbolizes sweeping away good luck and prosperity.

The tradition of avoiding cleaning during Chinese New Year is rooted in ancient folklore and linguistic symbolism. According to customs documented by the University of Victoria's Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives, the first day of the Lunar New Year is dedicated to welcoming the gods of luck and wealth. Sweeping the floor is understood as a literal act of pushing these deities and their blessings out of the house.Linguistic puns play a significant role in these taboos. In Mandarin Chinese, the word for hair (fà) is a homophone for the word meaning to become wealthy (fācái). Therefore, washing or cutting hair is viewed as washing away one's financial prospects for the coming year. This belief is so widespread that many businesses in regions like Hong Kong and mainland China experience a massive surge in cleaning services and haircuts in the weeks leading up to the Spring Festival.Historically, these practices were formalized during the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) when the lunar calendar was standardized. The "Day of the Broom" is typically observed on the 24th day of the 12th lunar month, designated as the time for a thorough spiritual and physical cleansing of the home. By the time the New Year arrives, the home is considered a sacred space for luck that must remain undisturbed. Modern sociologists recognize that these rituals serve as a psychological reset for millions of people worldwide.