A Level of Superstition

In the States, usually I think superstition is a bit obsolete. Some people use it as an excuse not to make their own decisions. They feel that if they can live by it and therefore they don't have to be accountable for the consequences; because 'they didn't pick.' But here, the Chinese brand of superstition mixed with their Buddhist faith has an entirely different feel. It intrigues me. All of the Chinese men I usually eat lunch with (ranging from ages 30 to 62) are regular lottery players. Even deeming it "investing in the future." But it's nothing like America where ppl play their 'lucky numbers' or numbers that hold some certain significance to them. Here, their favorite numbers to play are those on a license plate of a car that's just been in an accident or broken down somehow. It's supposed to be the best luck. Riding with my boss two days ago we passed a Mercedes which had caught fire, luckily noone was hurt. His first words: "Did you see the license numbers?"

Furthermore, I always wondered when I was younger how seriously the Chinese took the "Year of the ..." zodiac-like symbols I always used to see on the paper place mats at the Chinese restaurants. But they take it quite seriously and some ppl will tell u directly that they think it's best u not spend time around them becuz their years clash too aggressively.

The construction project I'm working on now was delayed 2-3 weeks because they had to find a 'good day' to break ground. There's apparently an entire calendar of days which are good or bad for different kinds of events.

For Chinese New Years (which starts in 3 days officially), there is a dish is a tradition to have at or right around the event. As we had it today, it was explained to me that everyone was to take their chopsticks and mix the dish up in unison to ensure prosperity of the businesses. For calendar new year, there is a ceremonial drink which formally signifies you being one year older.

Also, at the construction site, there is a Buddhist prayer vessel called... well, I don't know how it's spelled, but it is pronounced "dato." It's a common belief that it is essential to satisfying the guardian that protects the site. It is filled with oils and incense, which must be kept burning to continue the good fortune of the site.

These are but a few examples of the heavy involvement of superstition (sometimes manifested through their Buddhist faith). It's an interesting part of the culture that adds to the experience on being truly immersed in another ethnicity's culture. Adds to the experience and it intrigues me.