On Friday the 13th, we thought it would be a perfect time to talk about cultural taboos…
Well, Asian culture is famous for its uncommon cultural customs and taboos. Some of them originated from superstitions. Some are derived from homonyms. Others are influenced by religions and traditional values. Because of their deep cultural origins, these customs often come off as obscure and difficult to comprehend to outsiders. Making it more complex, customs and taboos vary largely between East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian cultures. Many taboos are even unique to individual countries.
You might have heard how number 8 is the luckiest number in East Asian cultures like China and Japan, but it is one of the most inauspicious number in Indian culture. Here are some other cultural customs and taboos that perhaps you can use as dinner conversation material this Friday the 13th weekend:
Colors come with significant and often unexpected implications:
- Red: In East Asian cultures, especially Korean & Chinese, it is extremely inappropriate to write people’s names in red. To do so actually implies a negative wish on their health and well-being. In ancient times, only criminals who received death sentences would have their names documented in red… through blood. Tomb stones in Asian culture also have deceased people’s names written in red. That’s why red names are closely associated with death. So don’t hand a red pen to your East Asian friends to sign their names!
- Green: Don’t wear a green hat in China! Green hat (戴绿帽子) is a Chinese expression to imply when a woman cheats on her husband or boyfriend. This tradition dated back to the Yuan dynasty where relatives of prostitutes were forced to wear green hats to signify a shame to the family. So although you may be a Philadelphia Eagles fan, resist that temptation to show your team spirit with a hat. Stick to that Carson Wentz jersey.
Gifting is a serious art with many taboos.
- Leather and meat products are inappropriate in Indian cultures because cows are a sacred animal in Hinduism.
- Shoes and pears are inappropriate gifts in Chinese and Korean culture. They signify divorce or separation between a married couple.
- Clocks and umbrellas are inappropriate gifts in Chinese culture because they imply death and ending.
Drawing Good Luck In from the Outside
- Salt: East Asian restaurants, especially Japanese & Chinese, often leave a small pile of salt outside of the front door. This custom is believed to attract more customers. The tradition comes from an ancient Chinese story where a concubine used salt to attract her king’s ox so he came to spend the night more often. In Shinto, the traditional Japanese religion, salt is also used to purify.
- Chilis and Lemons: Indians often hang lemons and chilis on a string on their doors, cars, and windows for good luck. Chili and lemon are believed to be the favorite food for Alakshmi, the Goddess of misfortune. It is said that this custom will ensure her to eat up her favorite food and leave satisfied without entering the spots.
