With Lunar New Year around the corner, it is about time for our yearly spring cleaning endeavour again. Yes, again!
It is a known fact that there are many traditions and family ritual deeply embedded in the culture of Lunar New Year’s celebration. Apart from splurging on new threads, adorning your crib with festive decors, having a sumptuous reunion dinner and not forgetting – giving and receiving our all-time favourite red envelopes, one of the most significant customs riddled in the festivities is the house-cleaning ritual (also known as da sao chu).
Unlike our daily house cleaning routine, spring cleaning carries a deep meaning for the Chinese. So what exactly is the historical significance behind this custom, and why is it such a big deal?
Sweep Out the Old, Usher in the New
It has a lot to do with culture and religion. In decades past, the folks believe that the spring cleaning ritual is a tangible representation of getting rid of the bad luck of the previous year. It symbolically purges negativity while ushering in the new, and all the positive energy that is sure to follow in the coming one.
“Dust” is a homophone for the word “Chen” in Chinese, which refers to “old”. Hence, getting rid of them is a way to mark an auspicious start to the year.
However, you would want to ensure that the house is thoroughly cleaned and decluttered a few days before the new year begins. Why? Simply because sweeping the house during the Lunar New Year is perceived to be sweeping away the good fortunes that are bestowed upon your household. So once New Year’s Day (chu-yi) rolls around, avoid doing any forms of housework until the Lunar New Year is over.
Is Spring Cleaning Imperative?
An overhaul spring cleaning may not appear to be the most joyous of traditions for the younger generations. But if you are hanging on to the thoughts on whether spring cleaning is really necessary, our answer is a resounding yes.
It is not just the tradition that dictates the need for one. After all, cleaning up is always good for your health – mentally and physically. Besides, getting rid of all that chaos that surrounds your living space ensures that your house is always guest-ready. So, as laborious as it sounds, forget about slipping away from the obligatory housework and decluttering involved. But instead, embrace them with open arms.
Starting the New Year With a Clean Slate
Before plunging into a cleaning frenzy, kick things off by segmenting the tasks into a comprehensive checklist. Spring cleaning is a process, and having a good outline will lead to a good outcome. With a systematic checklist, you will get your home in tip-top shape in no time.
Here’s to a Spotless Year of the Ox
If you are procrastinating on things as time ticks away, the chances are that you are probably not going to accomplish much. But the last thing you want is to have your house left in a wreck. What do you do?
Good news – we have got a cheat sheet for you. That is – to engage professional house cleaning services.
While there are many companies across Singapore that provide house cleaning or spring cleaning services, our team at Clean Lab certainly outshines in terms of value and result.
Beyond our affordable house cleaning service rates, our glowing reviews are a testament to our impeccable service and quality. So if you fail to squeeze out ample time to do the chores on your own, Clean Lab Singapore is here to spare you from the agony of last-minute spring cleaning.
