迷信 (míxìn) is a fascinating and often controversial term in Chinese culture, acting as a dividing line between tradition and modernity, science and folk belief.
While the English word “superstition” (e.g., knocking on wood, not walking under a ladder) is a close equivalent, 迷信 in a Chinese context often carries more weight and encompasses a broader range of practices deeply embedded in daily life. This can include:
Numerology: The belief that numbers have inherent luck. The number 8 (八 bā) is lucky because it sounds like “发 (fā)” (to get rich), while 4 (四 sì) is feared because it sounds like “死 (sǐ)” (death).
Feng Shui (风水 fēngshuǐ): The traditional practice of arranging physical space to harmonize with spiritual forces. To a scientist, it's 迷信. To a practitioner, it's an ancient art and philosophy.
Fortune-telling (算命 suànmìng): Consulting someone to predict one's future based on birthdate, face reading, or other methods. This is almost universally considered 迷信.
Ghosts and Spirits (鬼 guǐ): Beliefs about the spirit world, hungry ghosts, and the need for ancestral veneration to maintain peace.
The Chinese government, particularly since the 20th century, has actively campaigned against what it calls “feudal superstitions” (封建迷信 fēngjiàn míxìn) to promote scientific thought and modernity. Consequently, openly admitting to being “superstitious” can be seen as being uneducated or old-fashioned. However, these practices persist, often reframed as “customs” (习俗 xísú) or “culture” (文化 wénhuà) to be more socially acceptable. The line is often blurry and depends entirely on the speaker's perspective.
In daily life, 迷信 is most often used with a negative or skeptical connotation. It's something you accuse others of, or admit to yourself with a self-deprecating laugh.
Dismissing a Belief: The most common use is to call out a belief as irrational. For example, if someone refuses to live on the 4th floor, a friend might say, “你太迷信了!” (Nǐ tài míxìn le! - “You're too superstitious!”).
Generational Divide: Younger, more urban Chinese might use 迷信 to describe the beliefs and practices of their parents or grandparents, highlighting a difference in worldview.
Self-Awareness: People often acknowledge their own superstitious behavior jokingly. “我知道这很迷信，但是我出门前还是要求个好运。” (Wǒ zhīdào zhè hěn míxìn, dànshì wǒ chūmén qián háishì yào qiú ge hǎo yùn. - “I know this is very superstitious, but I still have to ask for good luck before I leave the house.”)
As a Noun: “这种迷信早就应该被破除了。” (Zhè zhǒng míxìn zǎo jiù yīnggāi bèi pòchú le. - “This kind of superstition should have been abolished long ago.”)