Chinese Culture (General)

Dear Master, Thanks for your prompt reply... really appreciated it Regards, Mystic Dragon

Questions: a. My Grandmother (mum’s mom) just passed away yesterday. From a Feng Shui angle, how will this affect - our wedding on (this date that is more than 100 days.) Can the family members still attend our wedding? b. Our proposed house warming on (within 100 days). Can we still go ahead with that? My condolences. c. Move in is no issue since it is within the 100 days. d. As to family member's attendance: traditionally is NO. Since it is out of the 100 days reprieve. d. However in modern times: do check with both partner's parents. Some parents are very flexible while others adhere to strict Chinese Traditional Guidelines. 1. The Tra…

Dear Anon, 1.1. The deities are known as Fu, Lu, and Shou in Chinese/Mandarin, representing the Three Stars. 1.2. Each deity symbolizes a specific attribute: Fu = Prosperity Lu = Status Shou = Longevity. 1.3. The concept of Fu Lu Shou originated in the Ming Dynasty, embodying the ideals of Prosperity, Status, and Longevity. 1.4. In the Hokkien dialect group, they are referred to as Hock, Lock, and Siew. 1.5. In Cantonese style, it is said as LUK FUK and SAU. 2. Another important point to consider is that traditional Chinese (Mandarin) books are written from right to left. Based on this information, the correct order to position the 3 st…

Chinese Legend of the Eighteen levels of Hell with King Yama as their Supreme Governor 1. This legend is based on Diyu 地獄 a Buddhist concept of the ream of hell known as Naraka. 1.1. Naraka is an underground maze with many levels of chambers where the souls of the dead are taken to atone for their sins committed when they were alive. 1.2. One Legend says that there are two main chambers: The East and The West Chambers of Hell. 2. Here, sinners are perpetually subjected to gruesome tortuers until infinity. 3. The East Chamber of Hell 3.1 Tongue Extraction Chamber: Still want to Gossip? Stop it! 3.2 Scissors Chamber: Finger torture, snip, …

Source & Credit:

2025 (C) Geomancy.net Once upon a time, when plastics were hard to come by or not as sturdy as a wooden stool; many homes used them. 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.

Often, the only time one finds pink coloured pineapples is during Chinese New Year (CNY). As RED (pink) is considered an auspicious colour...

Dear Users, 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 r…

Previously, I wrote the following:- "Furthermore, cutting down the bamboo, without removing the roots, cause little cups or catchment for mosquitoes as mosquitoes can breed in the circular tubes or hollowes caused by cutting down the trunk." Attached, please find the photos showing that unlike a single tree; bamboo trees grow sideways. Photos also shows that when we cut some of the bamboo plants; one may cause little cubs that may collect water & perhaps cause mosquito breeding in the wet season. > I read somewhere that chinese people consider it inauspicious to grow bamboo plants in the back or si…

The frontage of this government housing board flat is adorned with RED elements, including: - 2 large lanterns - 2 small lanterns - 1 large banner Several images indicate that many residents in this row of flats burn incense sticks as part of a spiritual practice. This is why there are "blackened ceiling" areas in the corridor. Contractors have covered these darker spots with white patches. It would be best if they repaint the entire ceiling to achieve a more consistent look.

Some Chinese belief that spirits can reside (or built) a home inside a reasonable large tree trunk. Five oranges were offered I suppose to the Five Spirits. A common theme in many "praying rituals" is to respect the Five spirits: North, South, East, West and Central. What is unique here is the entire tree trunk is wrapped in the "worship" YELLOW coloured cloth. Kind of remind me of the winter "clothing" that some trees in cold countries are wrapped in... during my wintervisits to countries such as Korea...

In the past; some Chinese do pray to the Jade Emperor. And on that altar; and on each side of the two front legs of the altar table; they would tie a tall sugar-cane plant on each side of the leg - for luck. Similarly, this Katong Antique house follows another tradition of placing a sugar-cane plant on each side of their main entrance door. Please see photo. Again, this is for "luck".

Yes, there are still some who believe that there are good mole(s). And also share the same concerns as yours.

Additional photos of the Phoo Thor Jee Temple in2011.... Gone are the multiples of Lion statues at the front gate and more within the compound of the temple. Can you see the difference in the 2010 (frontage) photo and that of the 2011?

Winding paths may seem illogical to some individuals due to the slightly longer route they create. However, the main intention behind these paths is to encourage a slower walking pace, as well as to align with the Chinese belief that spirits cannot navigate through winding routes.

Some of the many CNY 2019 greeting cards

1st October 2020

Dear Anon, The 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar is regarded as the most perilous day. This month, known as the Dragon Month, necessitates heightened vigilance against illnesses and diseases. The Dragon Boat Festival aims to repel malevolent forces and marks the onset of summer. In the year 2000, the Dragon Boat Festival is observed on June 6. The narrative dates back to around 300 BC, featuring Qu Yuan, a loyal advisor to the King. His position incited jealousy in another advisor, Zi Lan, who resented the King's preference for Qu Yuan's counsel. Following the King's capture and subsequent death in prison, his eldest son ascended to the throne …

Another typical charm for "protection" of the home... Note: paper background is yellow

Dear Anon, There is indeed some validity to this idea. The traditional belief is that the East represents the dragon and the Yang side, while the West symbolizes the tiger and the Yin side - especially in a large macro environment. However, in modern times, this is less relevant concern to smaller spaces such as a home apartment. The impact of sleeping on one side or the other is minimal. What truly matters now is not the position in which one sleeps, but rather how to maintain a successful marriage. Understanding theoretical concepts is futile if it does not contribute to a lasting and fulfilling relationship. Warmest Regards, Cecil

When these are displayed in supermarkets, again this is a timely reminder that Chinese New Year is round the corner

Thanks Master :-)