Feng Shui Expert Shares 6 Things to Avoid During Chinese New Year

Ensure a prosperous Year of the Fire Horse by steering clear of these activities.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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As we approach the Chinese New Year on February 17, 2026, a Feng Shui expert named Jemma has warned about certain activities to avoid during the celebrations to ensure a prosperous Year of the Fire Horse. The Lunar New Year is a time for fresh starts, and what you do on that day sets the tone for the year ahead. Jemma highlighted 6 things people should steer clear of, including cleaning, arguing, using sharp objects, washing hair, borrowing/lending money, and breaking things.

Why it matters

The Year of the Fire Horse is believed to be a time of action, freedom, and breakthrough. By aligning your environment and activities with the positive energy of this zodiac, you can invite more prosperity and good fortune into your life in the year ahead. Avoiding certain inauspicious behaviors during the New Year celebrations is seen as crucial to setting the right tone.

The details

According to Jemma, people should avoid cleaning or sweeping on the day of the New Year, as this is believed to sweep away good luck. Arguing, complaining, and using sharp objects like knives and scissors are also discouraged, as they are thought to symbolically "cut" relationships and prosperity. Washing hair or breaking things are similarly seen as inviting misfortune. Lastly, borrowing or lending money during this time is advised against, as it could impact one's finances and ability to attract abundance.

  • The Chinese New Year falls on February 17, 2026.
  • People should thoroughly clean their homes around 10 days before the new year begins.

The players

Jemma

A Feng Shui expert who shared advice on things to avoid during the Chinese New Year.

Susan Gu

A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist who explained the significance of the Year of the Fire Horse.

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What they’re saying

“In Eastern culture, the horse represents action, freedom, speed, and breakthrough. It reflects a stage of life that moves boldly forward without the fear of obstacles, placing emphasis on being in motion rather than standing still.”

— Susan Gu, Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist (Vogue)

The takeaway

By being mindful of the specific activities and behaviors to avoid during the Chinese New Year, individuals can better align themselves with the positive energy of the Year of the Fire Horse and invite more prosperity, luck, and good fortune into their lives in the year ahead.