Chinese Culture (General)

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

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

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".

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?

Dear Masters 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

Thank you so much, Master Lee, for your comprehensive explanation. I have made some changes according to your knowledge and I feel much better about my apartment now! Kind regards Jelle

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.

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

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 …

Mother of all Jade: Pure white Jade or known as "Imperial Gem"

Dear Cecil, My wife has gotten pregnant but we are renovating the house which is technically a bit no no. We are not moving the bed as only the hall area is being renovated. 1) Can i still go ahead with the renovation of the hall area? Bedroom will be sealed off. 2) We are both planning to move to my parents place to sleep. Would this arrangement work better for the renovation and having this done can the renovation go on? 3) What other things do i need to take note of. My wife is not Chinese if that matters. Thanks Albert

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.

Happy Winter Solstice.. everyone is considered a year older...

Cantonese Tim Sum comes in many flavours or assortments. A very popular tim sum delicacy is the chicken feet. A generalised Cantonese saying goes "if it flies, it has two or more legs or no legs... anything on earth is edible..."

Extract from an email post: Can you tell me the meaning of the symbol mentioned below ? Thank you so much for your time and effort.

Not for consumption $6/- a bottle at Ban Sheng Loong Traditional Chinese Medicine Hall Boxing Ring Brand

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…

Dear Anon, In my opinion, I tend to agree with you on this. One reason is due to the problem caused by the `one child' policy adopted in China. One should understand that China had no choice but to curb a baby boom. Thus the `one child' policy was adopted. Traditionally, Chinese have always belief that a married couple must give birth to a `heir' or a male child. This is because, only a male child can continue with the family line. For example, when a couple gets married: The husband's surname is TAN The wife's surname is LIM When the wife marries the husband, if here name is LIM Mei Ling, she becomes TAN Mei Ling. Thus, only when one has a MALE child then can one conti…

Thank you. 1)After my husband bring all stuffs to the new home, can I come help him to unpack and arrange stuffs? 2) is it ok for my husband to arrange chairs and table when I'm not in the house? 1. Frankly this has nothing to do with Feng Shui. 1.1 There are so many Chinese dialect groups with such a diverse range of individual or even perculiar practices. 1.2 More important, you have to check with your husband's matriach or mother. As often, such things are governed by the mother. 1.3 Thus if your husband's mother gives you blessing to do so.. then go ahead. 1.4 If you ask, even if I said okay, can easily be overruled by the matriach or hubby …

You agree? YES or NO? Such taboos are not cast in stone. If you feel strongly with the above statement, please check the YES Box else, NO! The POLL is for this THREAD:

Remembered also same scenario happened at Sol Acres EC, during the Phase II key collection….LOL

To satisfy the Chinese consumers during CNY... a whole duck is common place for some families during tonight's reunion dinner.. Erh... forget about the dirty floor...