Chinese culture holds the belief that sweeping the floor on the first day of the lunar new year brings bad luck. This notion is rooted in the desire to begin the new year on a positive note. 

Additionally, the significance of avoiding negative remarks is acknowledged, as it aligns with the intention of starting the new year afresh. 

The celebration of Chinese New Year spans a total of 15 days.

Warmest Regards,
Cecil

Quote

On 12/13/99 4:07:36 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear cecil,
I read somewhere that chinese
people don't sweep the floor
or say anything bad on Chinese
new year. Is it true. Secondly
they consider it bad to go to
wedding and then to funeral.
 

I have received multiple emails requesting an explanation of the importance of Kong Teck.

Chinese Traditions: What does "Kong Teck (Gong De) 功德 Funeral Memorial" signify?

1. It is believed that this ritual brings blessings to the departed soul.

2. In the traditional sense, it is preferred that an individual passes away peacefully, free from suffering, rather than through a tragic or painful event.

3. It is believed that the guardians of the underworld are compassionate beings who come silently to escort the soul of the deceased to the afterlife.

4. Kong Teck, also referred to as 功德 " Gong De " in Mandarin, is a traditional ritual aimed at assisting the deceased in their transition to the next phase of existence.

Made from paper and bamboo strips intricately tied together with strings, these ritual items are typically of a considerable size.

5. Consequently, family members or relatives often invest significant amounts of money in carrying out this important ritual.

6. The ceremony takes place on the 49th day following the passing of the deceased.

6.1. The primary focus is on the incineration of intricate paper replicas, including a stunning paper mansion.
6.2. The ritual also involves burning a bamboo and paper model of a luxury car like a Mercedes Benz.

A full paper house hidden behind a power supply box unit...

6.2 And they really look like a car. Besides this, `hell money' or `hell notes' are also burnt.

6.3 These are printed paper money (no value) and these are also burnt.

6.4 The intention behind the burning ritual is to send offerings to the departed loved ones, allowing them to make use of the new possessions in their afterlife. Family members are seen folding gold ingots to be later burned as offerings to the deceased.

Family members folding gold ingots for later... burning... as offerings to the deceased:-

When folded, the each resembles a Chinese ancient ingot:

7. The intention is to ensure a peaceful passage for the departed souls, free from any ailments. Moreover, there are traditional "silver" and "gold" paper notes, referred to as "Jin Zhi" (silver notes) and "Yin Zhi" (gold notes) respectively.

8. Therefore, Kong Teck is meant to bestow blessings upon the deceased.

In contemporary society, certain relatives opt not to fold the gold ingots. Instead, they choose to purchase them in large quantities, stacking them in a burning vessel.

9. During the event, which takes place on the 49th day, if possible, esteemed monks or Taoist priests are hired to recite mantras and more.

9.1 These monks or priests are (considered) as " lawyers " to "plead" the deceased case to the Hell Judge or King of Hell known as 阎罗王 (yan luo wang) - Yama, King of Hell

10. Thus for those who attend this ceremony or visit this ceremony on the 49th day, one has to be `pleasant, happy and peaceful' and must not tell the decease (in their hearts) that he/she was ill.

11. Previously, I shared images on the Picture Resources website featuring intricate "paper houses" and lanterns meant for burning on the 49th day or Kong Teck.

Warmest Regards,
Cecil Lee

Postscript: In the past, there existed a shophouse in Joo Chiat that specialized in crafting intricate scale models of funeral memorials, ranging from grand mansion houses to cars and even boats for the deceased.

The former shop (Circled in red) used to be here:-

Now, shop no more - permanently closed.

Currently, the funeral memorials have decreased in size and can be seen in many Chinese stores that specialize in selling incense supplies. These shops offer a wide range of products including clothing, shoes, Rolex watches, iPhones, tablets, and more.

Related to burning memorial...

It is possible that a construction supervisor managed to gather foreign workers to assist in burning the offerings for him. It could be that he is utilizing the principles of Tai-chi or delegation in this situation.

More...

1. Based on my personal observations, this holds particularly true during the 15 days of the Chinese New Year.

2. It is essential to comprehend that according to Chinese beliefs, items should be given in pairs, not singularly.

2.1. For instance, when presenting an 'Ang Pow' or red packet containing money in a red envelope during Chinese New Year or special occasions like an elderly person's birthday, the amount should be in pairs like $2, $4, $6, $10, and so on.

2.2. This practice is rooted in the belief that odd numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7 symbolize "loneliness."

2.3. In Feng Shui, this principle extends to the arrangement of chairs at a dining table, where pairs like 2, 4, 6, 8 are preferred over odd numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7.

3. Understanding certain Chinese beliefs is beneficial as they often influence decisions made in Feng Shui practices.

4. In Chinese culture, two mandarin oranges symbolize gold due to their color and the similarity in pronunciation of "mandarin oranges" to "gold" in Hokkien and Cantonese.

4.1. Therefore, presenting two mandarin oranges to a Chinese host during Chinese New Year signifies offering a pair of 'Gold.'

4.2. It's important to note that this exchange is usually reciprocal. The host will also prepare a pair of mandarin oranges from his/her inventory and exchange them with their guests immediately.

4.3. When you gift two mandarin oranges to the host, they are expected to present you with two different pairs before you leave.

5. The host should not return the same pair of mandarin oranges to avoid conveying a message of rejection towards the gift.

6. Some hosts may not adhere to this custom, which is generally harmless.

6.1. This could be due to their lack of awareness or forgetfulness regarding the tradition.

7. Since this practice is rooted in Chinese beliefs, the significance of receiving a pair of mandarin oranges back lies with the individual believer.

Warmest Regards,
Cecil

In Conclusion

Understanding the significance of pairs in Chinese culture, particularly during the Chinese New Year, is crucial as it influences various customs and practices such as gift-giving and Feng Shui arrangements. The exchange of pairs, like mandarin oranges symbolizing gold, holds deep cultural meaning and should be respected to avoid any unintended messages or misunderstandings.

Quote

On 10/31/99 1:34:23 AM, Anonymous wrote:
dear cecil,
Is it true that when chinese
people visit each other. They
always give each other
mandarin oranges and they do
not ask how are you instead
say that hope you had a
prosperous year. Thanks.
 

Dear Anon,
I took the opportunity to take a picture of what the `green' mineral water looks like.
By the way, the correct `English' spelling on the bottle is: Oldenlandia Water.
This is the description on the label:
OLENLANDIA WATER
Make of the abstracted fragrant essense of oldeniadia with Laoshan mineral water rich in mineral elements and it is indeed a refreshing drink for all seasons around the year with a tradition of quality sinces 1962.
It is bottled by Qindao Laoshan Oldenlandia Water Co Ltd, China.
It is the addition of oldeniadia to Laoshan mineral water that gives it a unique flavour.
I forgot to mention that often some take it with a pinch of salt added.
I am not sure, if you have this in your country. But if not, perhaps, someone, perhaps you would like to try to be the importer/distributor:)
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

Quote

On 7/8/00 12:17:00 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear cecil,
Bottled spring water is
popular all around the world.
What about China. Does China
produces any bottled spring
water and is spring water
popular among chinese people.
Thanks.

Dim Sum originated with the Cantonese in Southern China.

While it started as a snack, it has now become a stable of Chinese dining culture.

It is treated as a meal where friends and families gather together to have a relaxing and happy dining experience. The serving sizes of dim sum are small and often come in 3 and 4 pieces. Because of the small serving sizes, one can try a huge variety of food.

Eating dim sum ar a restaurant is usually known in Cantonese as going To "drink Tea" (yum Cha), as tea is typically served with dim sum.

Traditionally dim sum includes various types of steam buns such as char siew Bao, chicken Bao and other delights such as Siew Mai and Cheong fun

Strange to find a variant of the Knight’s Templar emblem on it’s wrought iron gate. No wonder... it is called the Blue Cross

Usually a "pure temple" uses the Swastica Buddhist symbol is used, instead.

This temple was built around the early 1990’s thus is considered pretty new.

The 1995 streetmap of The temple:

Quote

On 10/12/00 10:02:00 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear Elena,
In the Chinese `arena', it has
more to do with days that are
best to be avoided.
For example, paper charms are
placed above doors such as the
fifth day of the fifth lunar
month against evil influences
such as the 5 poisonous
animals.
Under this URL:
www.geomancy.net/calendar
(to enable to see the calendar
of events, java feature must
be enabled - usually if one is
using Netscape 4.x or IE 4.x
above no problems in viewing
it).
For example, if one uses the
above calendar, and go to
January 30, 2000, one will
find that the Kitchen God is
suppose to return to heaven on
this day to report to the Jade
Emperor (the highest ranking
emperor) of the happening of
the family (he stayed at).
Thus on this day, Chinese
usually offer the Kitchen God,
a sticky cake so that it can
"shut" his mouth so that he is
unable to speak badly of the
family since his mouth is
fully of this sticky cake.
For those who are interested
in the various events
throughout this year or the
next can browse through the
above link.
For example, do you know that
on 16 October 2000, The
Goddess of Mercy became a
bodhisattav or October 27,
2000 is the day of remembrance
of the dead...
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

These wooden stools can withstand rain or water or can be used in the bath rooms.

I remembered, clearly when I was young, back then in the 1960's a servant seating on such a stool to wash clothes or holding a life chicken seated on it with a knife to slice the neck of that chicken.

Quote

On 3/31/2016 8:28:04 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Unlike the wooden rice bins, the
charcoal stove is relatively easy to buy
in the heartlands of Singapore.Maybe
perhaps, in 10 or 20 years time... they
are harder to purchase. As today, some
elderly ladies still literally use
them.In the near future, they may be
only used symbolically for move-in
rituals by some Chinese who still cling
to such beliefs.On 3/31/2016 8:24:22 AM,
Cecil Lee wrote:
Wood is considered a
media to
store rice grains.Nowadays
it
is hard to find such a
wood
bin. And they are not
cheap
e.g. one of the rice
bins
costs $64/- plus dollars.
When
compared to the
relatively
cheap plastic
rice
bins.Location: a shop
in
Sunshine Place, Choa Chu Kang

 

All Major & Minor Chinese Festivals are based on the Lunar or Moon Calendar System.

The most significant days are always the 1st & 15th lunar days of any month = days of Full Moon.

One of the most popular gods in many Chinese homes is the Goddess of Mercy. And offerings often coincide with the above days of Full Moon. 

Compiled by Master Cecil Lee, Copyright (C), Geomancy.net, January 2000

Chinese history is over 5,000 years old. This page is specially created for Overseas Chinese and anyone interested in understanding the roots. Dates are also provided for major Chinese festivals (see below).

Reference:

https://www.geomancy.net/content/feng-shui-resources/calendar-of-events/minor-festivals

Quote

On 1/23/2010 6:51:51 PM, Anonymous wrote:
1. Singaporeans really pray to
all sorts of GODs.
2. While walking past a row of
shop houses; this shop owner
evidently prays to a pair of
"striped tigers".
3. In the first picture; he
has a pair of Qi Lin on each
side of the front pillar. And
in the middle; a worship altar
on the floor. Notice the two
different pairs of striped
lions.... each with it's mouth
full ... symbolic of bringing
in wealth.
4. A percentage of mediums
somehow; enact or even become
"tiger god" in some instances.
Usually, these people hope to
get great wealth.

Yes, I absolutely agree with you. I'm an US but I'm living in Singapore. So I a bit understand their culture and habits. They always pray to all kinds of GODs.

Quote

On 2/22/2011 10:48:31 PM, Anonymous wrote:
Traditionally, a pair of sugar
cane is tied on each side of
the altar table's legs...

Quote

On 6/7/2013 6:51:12 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Yes, we are the five spirits: North,
South, East, West & CentralOn
5/27/2013 6:47:40 PM, Cecil Lee wrote:
Another coffee shop. This time
round,
did you notice the 5 large
sized glass
cups of coffee at the
base of the
altar?On 5/23/2013
9:34:32 AM, Cecil Lee
wrote:
This is a traditional belief
of
the
Cantonese (Chinese dialect
group) of
praying to all the
FIVE
GODS (spirits)
in a home or
premises.Here, the five
gods
are:
NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST and
the
CENTER God(s).Location a
coffee shop
at Jalan Bukit
Merah. Here, there
are 5
tea
cups below it are also 5
"sweet"
cakes.On 9/27/2010 9:52:17
AM,
Honey
White wrote:
On
2/10/2010 11:02:30
AM, Cecil Lee
wrote:
Dear
GOD,

What do you like to have:

Coffee or English Tea?
Both?

Or even several
cups

ofChinese
tea.
For
you, no
problem! We will
make it
for you!
This is perhaps
repeated
every
morning
in many
Kopitams
(Non-airconditioned
coffee
shops) each
day.In
many
coffee
shops; an
offering of 5

oranges are
also offered
with
the coffee
or tea!
Why 5
oranges? This
has
to do
with the
Cantonese
custom of
"praying" to
the 5
spirits: of
the
North,
South, East, West
and Centre
spirit or
"5-Ghosts".


Thanks
you
for
your explaination!
There are
many
Chinese
culture I want to
study
more. Chinese culture is
very
interesting and
diversified.

The idea of praying to the Five (5) spirits: The God of the North, South, East, West and Center god.. by offering five cups of tea.

Quote

On 7/13/2011 9:11:57 AM, Anonymous wrote:
This is a typical Earth god
altar. Where the altar is
placed at ground
level.Following Cantonese
tradition; did you notice that
right in frame; there are 5
cups each x 2?Cantonese
dialect group belief that
there are "5 spirits" i.e.
every cardinal point plus
centerpoint has a guardian or
god each:North god, South god,
East god, West god and God of
the Centre.Alternatively, some
place five types of fruits and
5 each to pacify the "5
spirits".

Quote

On 2/22/2011 10:12:05 PM, Anonymous wrote:
On one of the early mornings
(still within the Chinese New
Year - CNY) period; saw this
uncle changing the offerings;
i.e. replacing old Fa Gaos and
fruits / tea cups with new
ones...Did you see the large
x2 Fa Gaos?

I’ve a few burning questions. 
 

I’m collecting keys on 27 April 2020. Does that consider moving in?
 

28 April 2020 seems to clash with Goat, my partner is goat, can he enter the apartment on 28 April 2020.

29 April 2020 seems to be the best day of moving, can I shift non-personal stuff on 27 and 28 April and leave it at the courtyard?
 

We are buying a new altar for Guan Yin, which item should I shift over first to set up? Am I allowed to remove her lights and etc while Guan Yin is around?

I told the company to deliver the altar on 28 April 2020. 
 

How to I know how to calculate the auspicious time to move Guan Yin?

Quote

On 6/19/2003 7:09:41 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear All,
This is a typical charm used
often by some Chinese above
their main door.
The picture shows a 2 room
government Housing Development
Board flat with a yellow
charm.
It is also interesting that
few if every paint their
grille gate yellow. Looks like
this is a toaist or buddhist
family - with high
inclinations to their
religion.
Typically, this type of family
are those that has their
mother tongue in Mandarin and
has altar in their home.
Normally, family members would
burn incense daily, also.
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

Quote

On 2/22/2011 10:37:29 PM, Anonymous wrote:
Chinese New Year (CNY) 2011This is a
picture of a basket full of the
longevity bread in the shape of the
peach.It is known as Shou Tao or
Longevity peach with a bright auspicious
pink colour.On 2/22/2011 9:55:35 PM,
Cecil Lee wrote:
These pink
pineapple flowers
are not for human
consumption.
Unlike the regular
pineapple
we find in the stores...If
it
is not for human consumption?
Then erh.. who is suppose to
consume it?CLUE? It is an
offering on the altar
table.And
pink colour is
considered as very
auspicious....Furthermore, it
is
sold at $2.88/-... Sounds
familiar?
Well, most of the
Feng Shui services
fees end
also with an 88!

Our auspicious dates for moving house based on Ba Zi is 06 Feb 2018 (Tue); 16 Feb 2018 (Fri); 18 Feb 2018 (Sun); 28 Feb 2018 (Wed); 02 Mar 2018 (Fri).

Four of the dates fall within the 15 days of the Chinese New Year. Both me and my wife are Singaporean Chinese.

Is there any feng shui or cultural taboo to move house during 15 days of Chinese New Year?

Pei Hua

Quote

On 4/25/2012 12:14:38 PM, Anonymous wrote:
These are some considerations:
1. Some purchase a brand new
altar (or made-to-measure) at
the new apartment.
1.1. If so, one can even have
the space at the new apartment
ready. For example, if it is a
made-to-measure altar
position, it would depend on
the contractor to finish
"everything". (Majority of
renovations).
1.2. The above is common
sense. If you have an existing
altar at the present apartment
and transfering Kuan Yin on
Vesak Day, this is fine or OK.
1.3. What one is concerned is,
to distrub Kuan Yin, as some
have to remove Kuan Yin and
place her and her ancillary
items somewhere. And move the
altar to the new apartment.
1.4. And what is most
concerned is where to place
Kuan Yin tempoary at the
existing apartment. Not like
you should place (her) on the
floor tiles or at the shoe
cabinet table top.
2. Yes, moving her on Vesak
Day is fine or OK.
2.1 Often, avoid moving her
after 2.59pm as this is close
to the Yang-Yin period or the
daytime where Yang element is
at it's lowest.
2.2 Frankly, it does not mean
that Kuan Yin is out of bounds
by your husband touching her.
Thus, no harm for him to carry
her.
2.3 If possible, for devout
buddhists, best that you
observe things like try to
avoid eating meat as a respect
e.g. especially the eve and
the day of moving her. (This
depends.)
2.4. In fact, no harm having
"strong arms" holding her
instead of IN CASE if the
female could be more feeble.
Worse still, if the woman is
in period, then it is best not
for her to carry Kuan Yin.
Although Kuan Yin is always
forgiving; it is considered
taboo or bad luck for a woman
in period to do such things.
3. Usually, prior to a move;
words are uttered in mandarin
: "My or Our apologies for
disturbing you. As we will be
bringing you to our new
apartment. And state your new
apartment's address e.g. Block
888 Clement Avenue 1 #12-888.
4. By tradition, if there is a
flyover or bridge, you may
have to warn her that you are
"crossing a bridge". If no
bridge, just flat ground
ignore this Para 4.
5. On reaching below at the
void deck of your new
apartment block; tell Kuan Yin
that you had arrived at the
ground floor. And that you
will be bringing her up to
your new apartment at e.g.
Block 888 Clement Avenue 1
#12-888.
6. Then the usual, place her
and do up the altar and give
offerings.
7. For a new joss stick
receptacle (incense burner) ,
try to wrap e.g. even number
of coins e.g. 2 x 10 cents in
a red paper and place it right
at the bottom of the urn.
7.1. If it is an existing Joss stick
receptacle (incense burner), never empty
it fully. Try to leave 1/2 joss ashes to
the new apartment. Thus never go and
totally wash clean this receptacle.You
also wrote: How about the Heavenly God
incense burner - do I hang it up before
Vesak Day or on that day?8. It is common
for many to completely purchase a new
one (incense burner). And if possible
follow Para 7 above. 8.1. Common sense
says that if you are moving in on Vesak
Day or only bringing in the gods on
Vesak Day, which is an auspicious day,
then best not do do drilling on that
day.8.2. Of course, if the hook is
already in place and it is merely to
hang the incense burner, there is no
issue.9. Please note that there is no
ONE size fits all situation. Again it
depends. So long as one seems to give
respect, one is not going against the
WILL of heaven. Look at it this way, by
the fact that you are willing to invite
the various "gods"; they would already I
believe be appreciative of the
situation. 10. Furthermore, Kuan Yin
being the Goddess of Mercy is suppose to
be the most obliging and "forgiving".
And there is no Encylopedia Britannica
strictly for such CUSTOMS.On 4/25/2012
11:15:52 AM, Mystic Dragon wrote:
Dear Master,We are planning to
move-in to our new house on
Vesak Day and inviting our
existing Kuan Yin on that day
to
ournew house too.Must
I get
ready the altar a day
before Vesak
Day? That
is, must I have the
incense
burner, altar lights, water
and fruit offerings ready
before
Kuan Yin arrives?
Can my
husband carry the Kuan
Yin or must a
lady carry
her?How about the
Heavenly God
incense burner - do I
hang it
up before Vesak Day or on
that
day?Your guidance is greatly
appreciated.Regards,Mystic
Dragon