Taboos are mostly manifestations of feudal superstition and ignorance, but some taboos also have certain basis. What does it mean when a neighbor has a red cloth hanging on their door? Click on the "Chinese Folk Taboos" section to learn more about folk taboos.

Why does the neighbor's door have a red cloth?

It may be related to feng shui
In folk customs, if you feel that your home's feng shui is not good or there are "unclean" things, you can hang a red cloth on the door. It is said that this can drive away disasters and evil spirits.
There may be a happy event in the house
In some areas, the red cloth on the door is called "long red," symbolizing long-term prosperity and a vibrant life. Therefore, whenever there is a happy event such as moving house, marriage, childbirth, or promotion, people use red cloth to express celebration.
There may be a funeral in the house
China is vast, and customs vary from place to place. In some regions, if a direct ancestor passes away, the family cannot greet others or receive guests for three years. Therefore, they hang a red cloth on the door to inform outsiders that everything will be simplified this year.

The Feng Shui function of hanging red cloth on the door

Drive away evil and eliminate bad luck
In traditional culture, red means warding off evil and bad luck. Therefore, ancient people used red paper with black characters to ward off evil when pasting couplets, thus welcoming a new and beautiful year. So, if you see someone hanging a red cloth at home, it might be because there have been recent difficulties, and by hanging the red cloth, they hope to drive away evil and change their current fate.
Good luck and happiness
In China, red is a very auspicious and festive color. Therefore, in the past, people wore red wedding clothes and decorated their homes with red cloth to show good luck and joy, aiming to pray, celebrate, and bless. Therefore, if you see a red cloth tied to someone's front door, it indicates that the family may be having a happy event soon, and the red cloth represents blessing.
Blessings for safety
Red is an auspicious color, but people not only add meanings of joy and exorcism to it, but also give it the meaning of safety and good fortune. Therefore, many people hang a piece of red cloth on their cars so that the driver can travel safely and reduce the chances of accidents and disasters. Hanging red cloth on the door also has certain feng shui effects, maintaining the safety and good fortune of the family.