Singapore - CNY superstitions have limited impact on consumers' decisions

SINGAPORE: It's the eve of Lunar New Year and many consumers were busy with last-minute shopping and grooming.

It's brisk business for some shoe retailers a day before the Lunar New Year.

Loh Siew Lin, salesperson at Andrea Moda, said: "It's the last day because today is half day. A lot of people buy shoes. Sometimes, people last minute go and buy."

But besides last minute shopping, some buy shoes before the new year because, to do so during the festive period is traditionally considered bad luck.

That's because the Mandarin word for shoes sounds like the Mandarin word for evil.

But not everyone Channel NewsAsia spoke with has heard of this superstition.

An elderly man said: "Who told you this (that) buying shoes is bad luck? I don't believe this, I'm not that superstitious."

Hair salons were also busy catering to last minute customers. 

According to one superstition, cutting your hair during Lunar New Year means cutting your fortune away.

But not everyone's convinced.

One said: "I think it's just a myth."

Some hair salons Channel NewsAsia spoke with said they will be closed for a week during the new year. 

While buying shoes or cutting your hair during the Lunar New Year may be considered bad luck, there are some traditions that bring good luck, such as wearing red or bright clothing to ward away evil spirits or bad fortune.

- CNA/ck


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