By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-10-19 06:13:16 | Updated at 2024-10-19 08:39:51
2 hours ago
Since ancient times, many Chinese people have believed that illness and misfortune are often caused by bad luck.
The Post takes a closer look at the customs and practices that have developed in China to ward off evil spirits and protect against bad fortune.
Fire jumping
Jumping over a fire is a traditional folk custom observed during the Lunar New Year.
Folklore has it that the crackling sound of a burning fire wards off evil spirits and bad luck.
The ritual begins by family elders setting fire to a bundle of straw at the entrance to a house. Men in the family then take turns jumping over the fire before stepping inside.
