Why do the Chinese stay away from number 4? 

Taboos are cultural practices considered inappropriate or forbidden within a society. But they are present all over the world, nonetheless. China, like many other countries, is also home to many such no-nos. For example, people in China never flip a fish after eating one side. It is considered unlucky because it implies turning over a boat! They also avoid using the number 4. There are many more like this that will intrigue you for sure. For centuries, these taboos have been woven into the fabric of their daily life, influencing everything from social behaviour to family dynamics. Let’s delve into the world of Chinese taboos and discover the reasons behind them! 

The number 4 is avoided in China 
If you ever visit China, you will realise that elevators that do not have a button with the number 4. Why? It is because the number 4 is associated with death in China. The Chinese pronunciation of the number 4 sounds similar to the Chinese character for death. As a result, people fear the number to the extent that it is avoided in phone numbers, licence plates and even addresses. People also charge lower rent for addresses that contain ‘4’.  

Chinese shopkeepers don’t read books 
Yes, you read that right. Chinese shopkeepers avoid reading books while they work. Isn’t that unusual? Well, not for the Chinese people. According to them, the Chinese word for book sounds like lose. So, shopkeepers are afraid that their business will suffer a loss if they read a book. It is a belief held by many. The shopkeepers also try not to sweep towards the door to avoid sweeping their fortune out into the street.  

Bowls are not placed upside down in China! 
After taking their medications, Chinese patients usually turn their bowls upside down and pray for good health. It is believed that if a healthy person does this, they will attract illness because they are imitating the behaviour of a sick person. So, if you’re eating in China, avoid turning your bowls upside down after you’ve finished your meal! Also, avoid eating the last piece of food because it is reserved for the elderly. Otherwise, you will be perceived as thoughtless or selfish. Another interesting food taboo is that children are not allowed to eat chicken legs because it is believed that they will become prone to fighting like chickens. Strange, right? 

They never show up empty-handed 
It is considered impolite in Chinese culture to arrive at a meeting empty-handed. When shopping for gifts, keep in mind the other gift-giving taboos. For example, do not wrap your gift in white because white represents sadness and poverty. Have you ever given someone a clock as a gift? Probably yes. But that might not be a good gifting idea in China. This is because in China, ‘to send a clock’ sounds similar to ‘funeral ritual’. As a result, clocks are strictly prohibited as a gift. However, do not worry if you accidentally give an unlucky gift; the receiver will simply compensate you with a coin. It is believed that the coin will convert that item from a gift to a purchase. How interesting!