Everyone believes in astrology to some extent and is worried about their future. People of China are also worried about their future. Many measures have been suggested to avoid bad luck on the Chinese New Year, including wearing red underwear, and a rat-shaped locket and celebrating in a grand way.

In fact, there are 60 deities in Chinese astrology and five elements for each of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. These include metal, wood, earth, fire, and water. These deities rule one by one in a 60-year cycle, changing as each year passes. The currently ruling deity is known as the Grand Duke of Jupiter or Tai Sui for that year. There is a deity in Chinese mythology and Taoism that influences the zodiac signs.

The birth sign clashing with Tai Sui of that year indicates possible adversity. Usually every year about four zodiac animals i.e. zodiac signs face Tai Sui. Let us tell you what are the measures to avoid bad luck in this new year in China…

In China, the easiest way to appease the Grand Duke this New Year is to visit a dedicated Tai Sui shrine to perform the Sip Tai Sui ritual, which can help people ward off bad luck. Visiting the temple is said to provide a protective talisman as protection against adversity in the coming lunar year.

Ever noticed that red underwear is placed in front of display cabinets and shop windows around the Lunar New Year? It's not just because the color red is auspicious for the holiday. According to Chinese folklore, red underwear can ward off evil, the idea being that they will protect you from misfortune brought on by conflict with the Grand Duke of Jupiter. This especially applies to those who anger the gods as this is their zodiac year so those with the Snake zodiac sign will avoid bad luck if they wear red underwear at midnight. The New Year starts on January 29.

Wearing a talisman of another zodiac sign to confuse the Grand Duke is another way to ward off misfortune, but don't just choose things from another zodiac sign. People wear talismans according to their zodiac signs. Snake people can wear rooster, monkey or ox amulets. Monkey people can wear dragon or rat amulets. Pig people can wear tiger, rabbit or sheep amulets, while Tiger people can wear pig, dog or horse amulets.

Feng shui is a Chinese method of arranging objects and buildings to promote harmony and balance with the natural world. For those who don't want the hassle of wearing or carrying anything with them all year round, keeping certain objects of a certain color or material at home can help to ward off adversity. Feng shui enables one to balance out any bad luck and improve prospects for health, wealth or love.

In Chinese folklore, milestones in life are considered auspicious events and are said to bring you better luck. Milestones include getting married, having a baby in the family, buying property or starting a new business. The practice of using auspicious events to ward off bad luck is called good luck.