RRI.CO.ID, Sungailiat - Traditionally, Chinese people cut their hair before the Chinese New Year celebrations. They believe it symbolizes banishing bad luck or misfortune.

Furthermore, they believe that cutting their hair welcomes good fortune and positive energy into the new year. The tradition usually involves cleaning or trimming the ends, rather than cutting the hair.

Sherren, a Chinese resident of Matras Village in Bangka, Bangka Belitung Islands, said that the tradition of cutting hair before Chinese New Year has been passed down through generations. However, it is taboo to cut hair on Chinese New Year Day.

"You must cut your hair before the Kongian, or the day of the Chinese New Year, to banish bad luck. Cutting your hair after the Kongian is not recommended because it is considered to be wasting good fortune," Sherren said on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Monday, February 16, at the Amal Bakti Temple in Matras Village, Bangka Regency. Other traditions leading up to Chinese New Year include hanging lanterns and cleaning the temple and the surrounding area, all of which are carried out through mutual cooperation.

According to Donni Alexander, the head of the Jalan Laut neighborhood association in Matras village, the Chinese New Year celebrations on February 16, 2026, will feature a series of events at the Amal Bakti temple. After prayers, residents will light fireworks and enjoy other entertainment.

"We have already hung lanterns and cleaned the temple area. There will be musical entertainment and fireworks," said Donni.

Several guests will attend the Chinese New Year celebrations in Matras Village, including the Matras Village Head, the Community Police Officer (Bhabinkamtibmas), and residents of Jalan Laut and the surrounding area. Alexander expressed hope that every resident will participate in maintaining security and order during the Chinese New Year celebrations. ***