Broom Superstition in China: Cultural Beliefs and Practices

In Chinese culture, brooms hold a significant symbolic meaning and are surrounded by various superstitions. The primary purpose of a broom is for cleaning the household or shop, and it is believed to harbor a spiritual essence. Consequently, it is strictly advised against using brooms for any games or playful activities, as they are to be regarded with reverence. Moreover, when it comes to cleaning the household gods or altars, Chinese tradition dictates using a cloth or a specialized small brush, as cleaning them with a broom is considered disrespectful.

During the auspicious occasion of the Spring Festival, it is customary in China to abstain from using brooms for three days, starting from New Year's Day. It is believed that utilizing a broom during this period will result in sweeping away the good luck that the new year brings. This practice is rooted in the notion that the broom holds the power to influence fortune and must be approached with caution.

Among the broom superstitions, one states that hitting a person with a broom will bring upon them years of bad luck. However, there is a way to alleviate this curse by rubbing the affected area multiple times. Additionally, it is considered extremely unlucky for the broom to touch a person's head. This belief underlines the significance of treating brooms with respectful gestures and avoiding actions that may invite misfortune.

Interestingly, some individuals in Chinese society invoke the spirit within the broom while gambling. By 'threatening' the broom, they believe it can bring forth luck in their gambling endeavors. Furthermore, brooms are also occasionally utilized in temple rituals. During these ceremonies, the broom is used to sweep the entire body of an individual in front of deities, following which the broom is beaten. This ritual serves the purpose of dispelling any negative energy or bad luck surrounding the person.

The broom superstitions prevalent in Chinese culture reflect a deep-seated belief in the symbolic power and spiritual significance of this simple cleaning tool. While its primary function is to ensure cleanliness, the broom carries an ethereal essence that demands respect and careful treatment to avoid interfering with good fortune.

Earleir SSP told about 8 unusual superstitions in Britain.