The Year of the Dog is on the horizon, and if you are new to Chinese superstitions during this massive celebration, you may want to get yourself familiar with some quick tips to make sure you’re in the know. Full spring clean Give your house a full clean on the 28th day of the Lunar New Year (this year it falls on February 15). It is believed that cleaning sweeps away the bad luck of the preceding year and makes your home ready for good luck. Get your hair done ahead Want to give your hair a new look? Do that before the New Year, as cutting hair during New Year is considered bad luck as the word "hair" (fa) is a homonym of "prosperity". Make sure you make an appointment with your hair stylist ahead, as the New Year is approaching the bookings will surely be packed! No shoes purchase Avoid buying shoes over the New Year holiday period, as in Cantonese, shoes are a homonym as “rough”. No one wants a rough year. Avoid saying negative words All negative words are forbidden in the New year! Words like killing, death, sick and ghost etc. This avoids us from jinxing ourselves and bringing misfortune to us and our loved ones. Skip washing On the first day, avoid washing your body, your hair or even doing your laundry. Otherwise all your good luck will be washed away. Greet and bless On the first and second day of the Chinese New Year (February 16-17), be sure to greet and wish people ‘Gong Hey Fat Choy’, which means best wishes and have a prosperous year. This year you may even want to try saying ‘Gau Nin Fai Lok’, which means happy year of the dog. Wishing you a Happy Chinese New Year!