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Things to NOT do
In Indian culture and traditions, across religions, there are certain rules that one must follow. For example, breaking glass is believed to be auspicious in some beliefs, but in others it is said to be a sign of impending doom. Similarly, the spilling of oil is considered lucky in certain occasions, but in others it is simply wasteful and can even indicate a spilling in money and financial matters. And so, in a land of rules, customs, and traditions, there are also some things one must not do after the sun sets.
Here we mention some of them.
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Dont pluck flowers and leaves
Plucking leaves, flowers, or fruits from plants after sunset is considered inauspicious in many traditions, including Hinduism. It is believed that just like humans, plants too have a life form and an energy cycle. And like humans are at rest during the night, and their body goes into rest with the setting sun, similarly, plants to undergo the same cycle. And thus, it is said that it is best to not pluck any flowers, leaves, or plants, no matter how beautiful after sunset.
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Sweeping the house
Sweeping the house and cleaning the floors after sunset is another acitcity one must not do after sunset. It is believed that sweeping the house with the broom, or even mopping the floors with a cloth should not be done after sunset. Why? Because it is said that Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and fortune comes into people’s homes during the evening time. And so the elders believed that by sweeping the floors after sunset, one could sweep away the presence of Maa Lakshmi as well.
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Don’t cut your hair or nails
Another common rule many Indian households have is that no cutting of hair or nails should be done after sunset. Why? Well, the common belief is that cutting nails or hair at night invites negative energies into the home. The sharp ends of the nails, and the slippery hair could be a magnet for negativity and evil, and thus it is best to not throw it around the house or outside the house.But, apart from the beliefs, the most practical reason one can make this rule is - About 100-200 years ago sunlight was the only source of light for people. And so, the absence of proper lighting made it unsafe to use sharp tools after dark.
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Avoid donating curd, milk, spices, and the likes
Donating items like milk, curd, or salt after sunset is also believed to be inauspicious according to many traditions and customs. As these items are kitchen staples, some people believe that donating them, or even simply giving them to your neighbours or family members for free (without taking a single rupee) can disrupt domestic harmony.
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Don’t look at the mirrors too much
Mirrors have forever been thought to be portals to other worlds and energies. It is believed that mirrors can reflect energies, transfer souls, trap people, and much more. And so, it was a norm to cover the mirrors at night so that no souls can be released into the homes. People believe that at night, when the veil between the living and other realms is thin, looking into the mirror might invite someone from another realm.
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Don’t lay or sleep in the North
Another thing that is best avoided after sunset is to lay down or sleep with your head towards the North direction. According to Hindu beliefs (primarily), the body’s alignment with magnetic fields plays a role in energy flow. Sleeping in the north direction disturbs this alignment, leads to chaotic energies, and then there will be restless sleep and negative effects on health.
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Avoid watering the Tulsi plant
In Hindu homes, and people who worship the Tulsi plant, watering the plant after sunset is also avoided and strictly adhered to. And even though Tulsi is a sacred plant and people water it everyday, one must not do so after sunset. Why? Well, it is believed that the Tulsi plant is a form of Maa Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. And offering water to her after sunset is thought to disturb her resting phase and invite negativity into the home.
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