What are some little-known taboos and customs in traditional culture?

1. Do not pass things through the window

This taboo custom has almost disappeared in modern times, but it was a very important taboo in ancient times. In ancient times, when prisoners were in prison, if their families wanted to send daily necessities, they could only do so through the prison windows and fences. Therefore, the act of handing something through the window is like giving something to a prisoner, which indicates that the person receiving the thing will be imprisoned, which is very unlucky.

2. Do not shake your legs at will

The ancient Chinese paid great attention to social etiquette and required politeness and calm and reserved behavior when interacting with others. Leg shaking is arrogant, frivolous, conceited and other disrespectful behavior, which is very offensive. If a man cannot even do basic etiquette well, he will naturally not be blessed and wealthy. If a woman shakes her legs, it means that she is uncultured and immodest, which is even worse.

3. Do not plant locust trees and mulberry trees at home

You should have heard the idiom "point to the mulberry trees and scold the locust trees". Both locust trees and mulberry trees are common trees in our country. Why are they called taboos among the people? According to folklore, there are four trees in China that attract ghosts, namely mulberry, locust, poplar and willow. Mulberry is a homophonic word for "mourning", so it is unlucky and easy to understand. Locust trees, poplar trees and willow trees are all commonly used in ancient cemeteries, so they are not suitable for planting at home.

4. It is not allowed to hold an umbrella in the house

It is understood that this taboo custom originated in the ancient Ming and Qing Dynasties. This is a folk tradition evolved from feudal superstition and cannot be trusted. However, from a Feng Shui perspective, leaving open umbrellas or using umbrella-like decorations in the house for a long time will affect the balance of yin and yang in the house, and seriously affect the mood of the house owner, so it is not recommended.

5. No banquets are generally allowed on the third day of the Lunar New Year

Because the third day of the Lunar New Year is commonly known as Red Dog Day, it is not appropriate to go out or entertain guests. In addition, it is said that this day is the day when mice get married. After dark, the lights must be turned off early and the family must go to bed to allow the mouse family to hold a wedding. Salt and rice should be sprinkled everywhere in the house, which is called mouse cents.