Auspicious Omens

In Taiwan, omens, superstitions, and lucky charms are deeply intertwined with daily life, shaping personal and family fortunes, business successes, and even health. These beliefs, heavily influenced by Chinese traditions, serve as ways to navigate life's uncertainties and attract prosperity, protection, and happiness. This guide delves into the various omens, beliefs, and items that are thought to bring good luck (吉兆 - jí zhào) or ward off misfortune (凶兆 - xiōng zhào) in Taiwanese culture.

Omens in Nature and Everyday Life

Animals

Certain animals and birds in Taiwan are believed to carry specific omens that foretell future events, be it good or bad. Their presence or behavior may be interpreted as signs.

Birds

• Crows (烏鴉 - wūyā)

  In Taiwanese belief, crows are often seen as bad omens. The sound of a crow's cawing is thought to foretell bad news or illness. Their presence is often considered an indication of impending misfortune.

• Sparrows (麻雀 - máquè)

  Sparrows are symbols of good luck, associated with harmony and happiness in the home. Their presence is seen as a sign of peace and prosperity.

• Swallows (燕子 - yànzi)

  Swallows are seen as bringers of prosperity, with their arrival signaling good fortune, especially during springtime.

• Magpies (喜鵲 - xǐquè)

  Magpies are considered to be harbingers of good luck in Taiwan. Seeing one is often thought to signify a joyous or auspicious event in the near future.

Mammals

In traditional Taiwanese culture, fat pets symbolized abundance and prosperity, reflecting their owner’s wealth and care. Recently, growing awareness of animal health has shifted this view. Advocates now emphasize healthy weights, with active, fit pets seen as ideal, aligning with modern values of well-being and responsible care.

• Cats (猫 - māo)

  Cats, particularly black ones (黑猫 - hēi māo), are believed to bring both good and bad luck (吉凶 - jí xiōng). A black cat crossing your path may signal a change in fortune. A left-to-right crossing is seen as positive, while right-to-left is considered a negative omen.

• Dogs (狗 - gǒu)

  Dogs (狗) are protectors in Taiwanese culture. Their behavior can signal changes in fortune. For example, a dog barking at night is often seen as a sign of an impending visitor or a shift in circumstances. In some traditions, a "fat dog" is seen as particularly lucky, symbolizing a prosperous household.

• Hares (兔 - tù)

  The sight of a hare (兔) is considered a good omen (吉兆), symbolizing fertility, new beginnings, and the start of a prosperous phase in life. A plump hare is particularly auspicious, as its fullness reflects abundance and good fortune.

• Pigs (猪 - zhū)

  Pigs (猪 - zhū) are traditionally viewed as symbols of wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture. A fat pig is especially lucky, representing abundance, fertility, and financial success. The term "肥猪满圈" (féi zhū mǎn quān) means "a pen full of fat pigs" and is used metaphorically to indicate prosperity and abundance.

Insects

• Ants (螞蟻 - mǎyǐ)

  An influx of ants (螞蟻) in the home is viewed as a good omen (吉兆), indicating financial opportunities or a change in fortune, often manifesting as unexpected wealth.

• Beetles (甲蟲 - jiǎchóng)

  Beetles, particularly rhinoceros beetles (犀牛甲蟲 - xīniú jiǎchóng), are associated with strength and protection. However, if they appear unexpectedly in the home, they might be interpreted as bad luck (凶兆).

• Cicadas (蟬 - chán)

  Cicadas (蟬) are commonly associated with the end of a cycle, such as the conclusion of a season or a phase in life. Their loud song is often seen as signaling upcoming challenges or the resolution of a difficult period.

• Ladybugs (瓢蟲 - piáochóng)

  Ladybugs (瓢蟲) are typically viewed as a good omen (吉兆), symbolizing positive changes and good luck. Their presence is believed to indicate a favorable shift in life circumstances.

Natural Phenomena

• Thunder and Lightning (雷電 - léidiàn)

  Hearing thunder (雷) at night is thought to forewarn of impending misfortune (凶兆). However, thunder during the day is seen as a sign to stay alert to potential threats.

• Rain (雨 - yǔ)

  Rain (雨) at the beginning of a new venture is considered a positive omen (吉兆), symbolizing a fresh start and growth. It is seen as a favorable sign for new beginnings.

Superstitions Surrounding Dates and Numbers

Lucky Numbers

Lucky numbers are referred to as 吉祥数字 (jíxiáng shùzì), where 吉祥 (jíxiáng) means "auspicious" or "fortunate."

• One (一 - yī)

  The number one (一 - yī) symbolizes unity, beginnings, and individuality. It is often considered positive as it represents the start of something new.

• Six (六 - liù)

  The number six (六 - liù) is considered lucky as it sounds like "smooth" (流 - liú) in Mandarin, representing smooth progress in life and work.

• Eight (八 - bā)

  The number eight (八 - bā) is regarded as extremely lucky in Taiwanese culture, as it sounds similar to the word for wealth (发 - fā). It symbolizes prosperity and financial success.

• Nine (九 - jiǔ)

  The number nine (九 - jiǔ) is associated with longevity (长寿 - chángshòu) and immortality. It is a popular choice for weddings, birthdays, and health-related rituals, symbolizing long life.

Unlucky Numbers

An unlucky number in Chinese is called 不吉利数字 (bù jílì shùzì), where:

• 不 (bù) means "not" or "no."
• 吉利 (jílì) means "auspicious" or "lucky."
• 数字 (shùzì) means "number."

It can also be referred to as 凶数字 (xiōng shùzì), where 凶 (xiōng) means "ominous" or "unlucky."

• Four (四 - sì)

  The number four (四 - sì) is considered unlucky because its pronunciation is similar to the word for death (死 - sǐ). It is often avoided in phone numbers, license plates, and addresses, as it is seen as an omen of bad luck or misfortune (凶兆).

Days of the Week

• Tuesday (星期二 - xīngqī èr)

  In Taiwanese superstition, Tuesday (星期二) is considered an unlucky day for starting new ventures, especially when it falls on the 5th or 15th of the month.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui (風水 - fēngshuǐ), the ancient Chinese practice of arranging one's environment to achieve harmony and attract good fortune, is widely practiced in Taiwan.

• Mirrors (鏡子 - jìngzi)

  Mirrors (鏡子) are used in Feng Shui to reflect negative energy away from a space. However, mirrors should not be placed at the foot of a bed or facing a doorway, as this is believed to reflect away positive energy.

• Plants (植物 - zhíwù)

  Certain plants, like bamboo (竹子 - zhúzi) and the jade plant (玉樹 - yùshù), are seen as symbols of good fortune (吉兆). Bamboo, in particular, is thought to attract prosperity, health, and longevity.

• Wind Chimes (風鈴 - fēnglíng)

  Wind chimes (風鈴) are used to enhance the flow of positive energy (氣 - qì) and dispel negative energy. They are often placed near windows or doors to attract good luck and prosperity.

• Fish Tanks (魚缸 - yúgāng)

  Fish tanks (魚缸) are a popular Feng Shui element, symbolizing abundance and wealth. It is recommended to keep an odd number of fish, with one black fish to absorb negative energy and protect the household.

• Crystals (水晶 - shuǐjīng)

  Crystals (水晶) are believed to amplify energy and attract harmony. Different crystals serve specific purposes, such as rose quartz for love and amethyst for spiritual protection.

• Colors (顏色 - yánsè)

  Colors (顏色) play an essential role, and proper use of colors in the home can influence one's fortune and well-being. Red (紅色 - hóngsè) symbolizes luck and vitality, while green (綠色 - lǜsè) represents growth and renewal. It is common to decorate homes with red during Lunar New Year (春節 - chūnjié) and other celebrations to bring good fortune.

• Peach Wood (桃木 - táomù)

  Peach wood (桃木) is believed to have protective qualities, often used in charms or hung above doorways to ward off evil spirits and keep bad energy away.

Protective Charms and Amulets

In Taiwan, protective charms and amulets are commonly used to ward off bad luck and invite good fortune.

Taoist and Buddhist Amulets

• Taoist Amulets (道教護符 - dàojiào hùfú)

  Taoist amulets (道教護符) are small metal or paper talismans inscribed with symbols of protection. They are thought to keep evil spirits and misfortune at bay.

• Buddhist Amulets (佛教護符 - fójiào hùfú)

  Buddhist amulets (佛教護符), often depicting sacred figures like the Buddha or Bodhisattvas, offer blessings of health, peace, and prosperity.

Lucky Coins (幸運幣 - xìngyùn bì)

• Feng Shui Coins (風水銅錢 - fēngshuǐ tóngqián)

  Feng Shui coins (風水銅錢) tied with red string are thought to attract wealth and prosperity. These coins are often placed in wallets, offices, or even under doorways to invite good fortune.

Lucky Jewelry and Symbols

Lucky jewelry (吉祥飾品 - jí xiáng shì pǐn) and symbolic items hold significant meaning in Taiwanese culture, serving both as protective amulets and tokens of good fortune.

Jade (玉 - yù)

• Jade Jewelry (玉飾 - yù shì)

  Jade (玉) is highly prized in Taiwan for its smooth texture and calming qualities. Wearing jade jewelry is believed to protect the wearer from negative energy and promote health and prosperity.

• Jade Figurines (玉雕 - yù diāo)

  Small jade figurines (玉雕) of animals or deities, such as the Laughing Buddha (笑佛 - xiào fú), are commonly displayed in homes to bring blessings and drive away misfortune.

Precious Metal (貴金屬 - guì jīn shǔ)

• Gold Rings (金戒指 - jīn jièzhǐ)

  Gold (金) is a symbol of wealth and good fortune (吉兆). Gold rings, particularly smooth ones, are believed to attract positive energy and financial success.

• Silver Jewelry (銀饰 - yín shì)

  Silver (銀) is associated with protection and purity. It is thought to ward off negative energy and promote spiritual well-being.

• Platinum (鉑金 - bó jīn)

  Platinum is a rare and valuable metal, symbolizing purity, longevity, and elegance. It is often used in high-end jewelry and wedding rings, representing enduring love and commitment.

• Copper (銅 - tóng)

  Copper has historical significance in Chinese culture, especially in tools, coins, and ceremonial items. While not as commonly used in jewelry, it is valued in traditional medicine and feng shui for its protective and healing properties.

Items to Remove Bad Luck

• Salt Cleansing (鹽清洁 - yán qīngjié)

  Salt (鹽) is widely used in Taiwanese culture to purify spaces and eliminate bad luck (凶兆). It is placed near doorways or sprinkled around the home to absorb negative energy.

• Protective Mirrors

  Mirrors (鏡子) are often used to reflect away bad luck (凶兆) and evil spirits. In some traditions, mirrors are hung above doorways or placed facing windows to deflect negative influences.

• Lucky Bamboo (幸運竹 - xìngyùn zhú)

  Lucky bamboo (幸運竹) is often used to promote good fortune. A healthy bamboo plant is believed to replace negative energy with positive vibrations, bringing luck in various aspects of life.

Lucky Gifts

In Taiwan, the tradition of giving lucky gifts (吉祥物 - jí xiáng wù) is an important part of cultural practices, especially during significant occasions. These gifts, often tied to local customs and beliefs, are seen as symbolic tokens of well-wishing.

• Envelopes (红包 - hóngbāo)

  Red envelopes (红包) filled with money are a common gift during Lunar New Year, weddings, and other celebrations. The color red symbolizes luck (吉兆) and prosperity, and giving red envelopes is believed to pass on positive energy.

• Maneki Neko (招財貓 - zhāo cái māo)

  The "Lucky Cat", often seen in businesses and homes, is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is believed to attract good fortune, and its raised paw is said to bring success and financial stability.

• Laughing Buddha (笑佛 - xiào fó)

  The Laughing Buddha, a figure of contentment and happiness, is often displayed in Taiwanese homes to invite good fortune, peace, and joy. The larger the statue, the greater the believed fortune. The Laughing Buddha is one of the many manifestations of Budai (布袋 - bù dài), which itself is a nickname for the venerated Chinese monk Qieci (契此 - qiècǐ) who is said to have lived around the 10th century CE in the Wuyue kingdom. During the Later Liang Dynasty, Budai is often identified as the future Buddha, Maitreya, in Chan Buddhism and Buddhist texts. His influence expanded with the spread of Chan Buddhism into Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Budai is also known as Fat Buddha (胖佛 - pàng fó) and Happy Buddha (快樂佛 - kuài lè fó).

• Red String Bracelets

  Red string bracelets are worn to protect against negative energy and bring good luck. In Taiwanese belief, the red string is often associated with destiny and is thought to bind people together through fate.

• Pineapple Cakes (鳳梨酥 - fènglí sū)

  Pineapple cakes are a popular gift during the Lunar New Year and other festive seasons. The word "pineapple" (鳳梨, fènglí) sounds like "good luck" (旺來, wàng lái), making them a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

• Tea (茶 - chá)

  Taiwanese tea, such as oolong or bubble tea, is often given as a gift to promote health and longevity. Tea represents respect and harmony, and offering it conveys good wishes for the recipient's well-being.

• Good Luck Charms (護身符 - hùshēn fú)

  Good luck charms, such as jade amulets, are often gifted for protection and to bring good fortune. They are believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure safety and prosperity.

• Fruit (水果 - shuǐguǒ)

  Certain fruits like oranges, tangerines, and pomelos are given during festive times for their symbolic meanings. Oranges and tangerines represent wealth and good fortune, while pomelos are linked to family unity and success.