Why is the red cloth for new cars bought in the length of three feet three inches?
2 Answers
Buying a red cloth of three feet three inches for a new car is considered auspicious. Obstructing the rearview mirror: Hanging red cloth strips on the rearview mirror is the most common way to tie them for new cars, but it is also the most dangerous method. When the vehicle starts, the red cloth strips may flutter in the wind, easily obstructing the rearview mirror and severely affecting the driver's ability to observe the movement of vehicles behind. A slight oversight could lead to a major accident. Impact on dynamic balance: When red cloth strips are tied to the wheel hubs, although the strips are initially light and have little effect on the vehicle, over time, as the strips accumulate sand and stones or get wet in the rain, they become heavier and can directly affect the dynamic balance of the wheels.
Since I was a child, I've heard elders say that tying red cloth on new cars is to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, a custom passed down from ancient times. In tradition, the color red represents fire and positive energy, capable of dispelling bad luck and protecting the car's safety. Why choose the length of three feet and three inches? Firstly, the number 'three' symbolizes completeness and auspiciousness; the ancients believed in the harmony of heaven, earth, and humanity, choosing the number three to signify double blessings. Secondly, three feet and three inches is approximately 1.1 meters in length, just right for hanging on rearview mirrors or door handles—secure enough not to come loose, aesthetically pleasing, and without obstructing the driver's view. I've also heard that customs vary by region: some places insist on pure cotton red cloth to avoid damaging the car's paint, while others even add gold threads for extra festivity. Ultimately, it's all about seeking good fortune. Modern cars still follow this practice, but the cloth shouldn't be too large or small to avoid safety risks.
