There are many myth and superstitions in Chinese culture, even in their eating habits. Here are five major superstitions in Chinese eating habits.

The first one is never rest chopsticks vertically in the rice. Because it looks like an incense which represents someone’s death. Second, do not turn over the fish. Turning over the fish looks like you are turning over a boat. And this boat carries all your good luck and fortune. So if you flip the fish over, it symbolizes that you are throwing all the luck and fortune away. Third, when you are eating the noodles, don’t cut off the noodles. Because the length of the noodles represents the longevity of your life. So if you cut off the noodles, it means that you are shortened your own life.

Fourth, never let your tea cup run dry. If your tea cup is dry, that means that there is nothing left in your life, so at least there should be something in your tea cup and it should be refilled immediately. Fifth, always order an even number of dishes. Odd number of dishes represents death, because during a funeral meal, people usually order an odd number of dishes. So next time, when you eat dinner with some Chinese people, you better watch out for these table manners!