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The Chinese would not only do everything to make the New Year auspicious, they would also try to propitiate it by imposing taboos upon themselves. Foul language and unlucky words are
banned altogether. Everybody has to wear new or clean clothes and there should be no sweeping of the floor lest it sweep away the good fortune of the house. Knives and scissors and other sharp instruments are tucked
away lest they cut the thread of good fortune. Children are cautioned on New Year’s Eve to be careful in what they say on New Year’s Day lest unlucky words bring misfortune to the family
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