4 superstitions in Hong Kong you need to know

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, however, many of its inhabitants remain highly superstitious such as beliefs about lucky numbers, bad omens and spirits abound in the local collective psyche.

Lucky numbers 

The numbers have always played an important role, from choosing building floor numbers on which to reside to setting wedding dates or choosing mobile numbers. Each number carries symbolic meaning and significance, and certain numbers are considered more “lucky” or “unlucky” than others due to their pronunciation. For example, number 8 is the most favored number among Chinese because it sounds like “prosperity” & “fortune”.

In Cantonese, the word for “four” sounds similar to the word for “death,” so Hong Kongers avoid the number at all costs. In many buildings, floor numbers such as 4, 14 and 24 are skipped. People avoid gifting things in sets of four, and even prefer phone numbers without the number four.

Taboo gifts

Hong Kongers believe certain things should never be given as gifts, including:

Clocks: In Cantonese, “to give a clock” is song zung, a phrase that means “to prepare for the end,” referring to the rites of paying one’s last respects to a loved one near the end of their life and burying them after they die. Clocks are also reminders that time is running out.

Sharp objects: Gifting knives and blades are inappropriate because they represent a severing of relationships.

Pears: The word “pear” sounds similar to the word for “depart” or “leave.”

Umbrellas: The word for “umbrella” is like the word for “separate.”

Black and white objects: These are colors of mourning, so black and white objects make for inappropriate gifts.

Four of anything: As explained above, “four” sounds like “death,” so anything that comes in a set of four is a no-no.

Green hats: In Chinese, to “wear a green hat” means “to be cuckolded.”

Feng shui 

Feng Shui literally means “wind and water”. It is an ancient Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing with the surrounding environment. Feng Shui masters use a special compass called a “luopan” and a “bagua”, an octagonal pattern determining the significance and auspicious qualities of spatial relationships to analyze feng shui areas in residences and offices in order to improve the inhabitants’ luck and fortune.

Lucky bamboo plants and indoor water fountains are two of the most recognizable and popular feng shui cures. Bamboo plants symbolize strength and luck, different numbers of bamboo stalks symbolize good feng shui for different aspects. For instance, 2 stalks represent love and marriage, 3 stalks mean happiness, while 8 stalks symbolize prosperity. Water fountains are said to incorporate energy into the household and water has long been regarded as a feng shui symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Dragon gates

Coastal high-rises and skyscrapers in Hong Kong sometimes feature rectangular holes called “dragon gates.” Legend has it that dragons (which represent wisdom, courage and prosperity in Chinese culture) live in mountains. The dragon gates serve as a passageway for these mystical creatures to reach the coast, letting positive energy flow through the building as a result.

Source Internet