Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, The Chinese do not clearly differentiate between the frog and the toad. Toads and frogs are commonly found in agricultural areas in China, for example in paddy fields. The Chinese use the frog in traditional medicine and for dieting. The rationale is linked to the shiny surface of the frog, which the Chinese call the “dew of heaven.” The frog is also called the “heavenly chicken.” (Toads are left out of this picture because they are considered poisonous.) I am glad that you asked for the “story” of the Three-legged Toad. It will help many users understand why the Three-legged Toad became a “commercial object.” There are two versions of the story: 1. A Chinese Immortal, Lui Hai, was said to live in the era of the Sung dynasty in the province of Shensi. According to legend, he was the general who successfully fought off Lord Liu (Master of the Sea Toad). Because of this, a statue of Immortal Lui Hai with his Three-legged Toad is considered a symbol for money-making. 2. A second version: Legend has it that there was once a toad which lived in a deep well and emitted poisonous vapours. Immortal Lui Hai lured the creature out with a string of gold cash and killed it. 3. More: Often one sees the Chinese God of Wealth being carried in a procession (during festive occasions) together with an image of the Three-legged Toad. The association with the God of Wealth (Tau Pei Kong) linked the Three-legged Toad with wealth. Hope the above will help everyone to better understand the “origins” of why so much commercialization went into this Chinese belief. The Three-legged Toad has now become a commercial object, with things like a coin and a “jewel” added to its mouth, etc. Therefore, one can now clearly understand that there is no direct link between the Three-legged Toad and Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil [Below, Cross-posted from Edu-Polls conference] 1. There is no right or wrong answers for this poll. 2. It would be interesting to find out how many of us think of this issue. http://www.geomancy.net/pictures/threeleggedtoad1.jpg Chinese Culture: The Three legged toad I am a three-legged toad. Do you believe that I can bring you wealth? Yes, I think so. No, I don't believe it can. Current Results

Dear Anon, We have not forgotten your valuable comments on the black color background for the daily forecast. You will be pleased to know that not only has the black colour background (with stars) being replaced but Robert has placed the forecast in a readable table format. We promise lots of improvements coming soon and the new generation site will have lots of dynamic modules plus interactivity! Being one of the pioneer Feng Shui sites, we have certainly come along way. Will continue to set high standards in integrity and being a reliable and relevant site. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. Do note that although we do not reply to some of the messages under the Wish List, all feedback and especially suggestions will continously be in our minds. Once we find that your idea is feasible we will implement and update the message forum with the progress.

Dear Anon, I have now enabled the Mailing List feature for the conference: Photo Tours with Interest. One needs to go to the Mailing List option to subscribe to it and other new conferences that are recently introduced. For example, the Fun Edu-Polls conference. Presently, only the message will be sent thru the mailing list. The attachments will not be sent. The advantage here is that one will know that there is a new message posted in this conference, and at a later date, login to see them. Warmest Regards, Cecil

The picture shows a typical Chinese building roof in the 1940's. Although the roof is not as elaborate as temple roofs but it shares a similar design as many traditional building roofs. Warmest Regards, Cecil

1. This picture shows the frontage of a Chinese rest house cum restaurant or shall we call it a motel, in Singapore in the 1940's. 2. It is interesting to see my father, on the right and a family member in the clothing of that period. Warmest Regards, Cecil

1. This picture shows a circular entrance to Chinese gardens. This picture was taken around 1930's. 2. Nowadays, it is rare to find these entrances other than at tourist spots. 3. The picture shows my grandfather and grandmother. By the way, my grand mother is wearing a Cheong sam dress. 4. If you look carefully in some of the family photos, under the topic: Chinese culture: What is the Cheong sam dress? you should spot my grandmother in some of these pictures. Warmest Regards, Cecil

1. This picture shows a retail company of the early 1930's. 2. Usually the shop occupy two levels and looks quite dark. 3. If you notice carefully, there is a a display at the frontage of the shop. I believe this shop is selling crockery or porcelain ware. 4. Notice that some of the workers are wearing singlets and working at their desks. 5. Today, many such companies have become wholesalers or sole agents for certain products. There are some which failed and closed down. In Singapore, it can be quite hot especially if there is no fan. (Air-con was not invented then). How fortunate we are today with proper lighting and (aircon)! Warmest Regards, Cecil

Picture of a bungalow house built around 1920's.

[Family photos showing clothings worn during 1930s to 1940s.] 1. Under the second picture 2, casual dressing of the elderly, you can see the picture of my great grandmother on the right of the picture. In the past, it is very auspicious for one to be carried or even see your great grandmother alive! I am fortunate to do so. But she died a few years after I was born i.e. around age 3 years old. The reason why it is common to have the opportunity to `see' one's great great grandmother was because of early marriages and naturally early births. Nowadays, with people marrying late, one is lucky if one sees one's grand father! But few if ever would get to see their great great grandfather or more likely grandmother. In the past, marriages were arranged immediately after one was born. One even can get married at 12 years old! In Singapore, it is illegal for sex or marriage with a child below 16 years old. So this traditional practice cannot be continued today. 2. Picture of Nonya or Baba lady The picture on the extreme left is an unidentified lady wearing a typical nonya or baba dressing. Who are the nonyas or baba? Please refer to the picture: nonya.jpg under the attachment below. (Available only under the web forum. In Singapore, Malaysia (especially the state of Malacca) there were often mixed cultural marriages between the Chinese (imigrants) and the local Malays. This intermarriage created a group of people known as the Baba Chinese or Nonya Chinese. The difference between these Chinese is that their language is a `mix' of both Chinese and Malay. Many of these Chinese speak Malay rather than Chinese. It is also very common to live in an extended family i.e. the entire family members from Great grand father to the young of their great grand child.

1. Enclosed please find a picture (around 1940's) of a nine storey high pagoda. 2. This picture was taken at the Har Par Villa, a Singapore attaction. The attraction has recently been commercialised and still around. 3. Typical pagodas have odd number storeys. For example, 5 storeys, 7 storeys, 9 storeys etc... 4. In the past, the pagoda is built on top of ley lines or water courses. It is a known fact that water faults do cause problems. To find out more, go to this url: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/under.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

[Archive: Family Photos : 1930's to 1940's] What is the Cheong sam? 1. The Cheong sam is a dress worn by women. (Usually, the middle and upper class). 2. The beauty of the Cheong sam is that it allows a women to `show off' their figure! 3. To this day, it is still continued to be worn by many women for formal occassions e.g. wedding dinners and other functions. Is the Cheong sam comfortable to be worn? 1. Sorry, I am not a lady so cannot truely comment. 2. I understand that you as it is tight fitting, you really and I mean really must have the figure to wear it else it may be quite uncomfortable. Can the Cheong sam be worn by the young (young ladies) and the old)? Yes, provided you still have that `sexy' figure and would like to flaunt it! In some of the pictures, (for example, my grand mother who is seated on the extreme right at the front row of the second picture attachment below). It is common to see shapely `elderly' ladies, wearing the cheong sam. They do have the figure indeed. For those who log in to the web forum, you can view quite a few pictures from my private family collection. I believe the pictures are taken around 1930s to 1940s. Warmest Regards, Cecil

By how, after having seen the earlier wedding photos under this forum, I believe it is not difficult for you to recognise the double happiness symbol. This photograph is the wedding photograph of my grandfather and grandmother. My grandmother is now over 90 years old and staying with my auntie (my father's only sister in Brisbane, Australia). In Chinese weddings, you will also notice that flowers are abundant like any other weddings around the world. A second wedding photo (undated) is another (unidentifid wedding couple. One interesting thing to note is the carpet they are standing on. At the centre of the picture: It looks like two peacocks facing each other. Warmest Regards, Cecil

In this last part of the Chinese ceremony: 1. Home prayers are conducted by a Taoist priest. In the first picture, if you look carefully in one of the pictures, you will see that the man (wearing a white shirt) has a square piece of cloth held by a pin on his left short sleeeve of his shirt. Traditionally, Chinese wear a piece of square cloth on their clothing and the colour of the cloth deplicts the relationship with the dead. The piece of square cloth is worn during the period of mourning. During the mourning period, family members must not wear colourful clothings but white or black clothings. Notice also in the first picture that family members are wearing the straw dress during the ceremony. Notice also that they are carrying straw (beige or white) lanterns. These lanterns are used mainly for funeral purposes. Contrast this to lanterns of similar shape but in Red colour. Red coloured lanterns are for the living and commonly placed inside the homes (especially in the past when there is no electricity. Nowadays, a pair of red lanterns are commonly found on each side e.g. outside the main entrance. Colours such as red or bright colours cannot be worn. If so, this is disrespectful to the dead. 2. Elaborate paper homes and lantern are displayed and later burned. Paper `money', paper cars etc.. are also offered to the dead. In the hope that he can use it in his after life. Nowadays, even paper handphones, paper hifi equipment, paper television sets and even paper credit cards are burned. In the hope that the dead can make use of it. 3. Finally, in some of the pictures you can the profile of the gravesite which is in the shape of a Horse shoe. Symbollically, the horse shoe design of the gravesite is that the horse shoe shape acts like a solid backing for the back of the grave. This is identical to the Four Symbolic Animals for Yang Feng Shui. In this case, Yin or Feng Shui of the dead also provides for a solid backing for the gravesite. Warmest Regards, Cecil

On reaching the gravesite, 1. The coffin is lowered. The first picture (lowering of coffin) shows clearly the profile of the front shape of a typical traditional Chinese coffin. For the bedroom, it is not auspicious to have a headboard that looks like this side view of a Chinese coffin. 2. The next step is as shown in Part 1, the dotting of the eyes of the portrait of the dead. 3. A ceremony is performed prior to the lowering and covering up of the coffin. If you logged in to the forum, please click on the attached photo views. Warmest Regards, Cecil

I like to share with everyone my family photos on the burial cremony of my grandfather. Date of pictures 1962 In Part 1, you will see:- 1. The burial procession It starts with the funeral procession starting from my grand father's uncompleted extension to the home. The funeral procession will lead to the burial site. 2. An interesting ceremony of `placing' eyes to the portrait of my grand father. The portrait will be placed at home at an alter. This is commonly called Ancestor Worship. Dotting the eyes would ensure that the dead have eyes so that he can `see'. The picture will show the eldest son who has to carry his father's photo on his back. Did you also notice the straw clothing he is wearing? This is the typical `dressing' for members of the immediate family. Similar customs is also done for dotting the eyes of e.g. a dragon boat or the eyes of the head of a lion dance costume. Please click on the web forum pictures. Warmest Regards, Cecil

[Cross posted from the conference: Chinese Culture (General}] Although not all spiders are harmless, the Chinese consider it as one of the Five poisonous `animals'. The five poisonous animals are: The spider, snake, scorpion, centipide and toad. These animals symbolise plagues and drought. In the past, a charm (please click on the picture attachment below). Please note for viewing purposes the background of the charm is on yellow background. In fact, the background should instead be red. This charm is displayed during the Dragon Boat festival which is on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. On the other hand, in western countries a bat is considered sinister and associated with evil. For the Chinese, symbolism or phonetic sound of the name for bat in Mandarin is `Fu' or Luck. For this reason, the Chinese consider it lucky. In many cases, you can see wood cravings on panels with Five bats. This symbol of five bats together signifies: health, long life, wealth, love of virtue and natural death. Please see picture of the five bats. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. Mailing list members will not be able to see these pictures unless one logs in to the website forum.

Dear Anon, Apologise for the late response. The peacock symbolises beauty and dignity. Its feathers were used as decorations ofr meritous deeds. Often, the picture of a peacock with a full spread of its tail is part of a congratulation message on the opening of a shop. Under the Manchu rule in China, peacock features were used as an insignia denoting a rank. In paintings it is denotes an official of the court. To both the Chinese and Christians, it is said to be able to drive away evil spirits. It was later that the peacock with wrongly asociated with pride through its beautiful plume and love for displaying it. Warmest Regards, Cecil Christians

Will remember to take a picture the next time I pass that house:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, So far, I don’t think anyone has actually painted their walls black. Black tends to make a space feel dark. In contrast, a white‑washed home usually looks bright and clean. So, there is some truth in that idea. Using the 33.3 percent rule, other black items or objects aren’t really an issue. For example, IBM products are mostly black. Their excellent IBM ThinkPad notebook PCs and some of their high‑end systems all come in black. Both Robert and I use these black machines without any concern. Overall, you can simply apply the 33.3 percent rule here, where anything under 33.3 percent isn’t going to affect a person. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Users, This is based on a request to find out more about " bungalow " houses. Basically a bungalow is actually a complete house. While a semi-detached house is one where there are two units but each house has a fencing at the middle and perhaps owned by two different owners. I will attach more pictures once I take more of these houses. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. I do not believe that the subject is taboo. Sorry if it seems to make one think that I find such subject taboo. Let me share with you my personal views on the above issues. One reason why sometimes, I do not reply these messages is because, it is difficult to give an advise without knowing more or as I believe, other avenues would perhaps offer a better solution to Feng Shui. So I have "procrastinated" answering these questions. To those users, sorry about it. I do intent to reply the few questions on these issues. I also do not like to give advise if I believe it cannot work (although it can raise hopes! Which is the lesser evil?) Should I then give false hopes? May be it will work? i.e. the power of suggestion? 2. It is my personal belief that improving relationships is based more on external influences rather than Feng Shui. 3. Thus more success is attributed to other reasons e.g. maturity of the couple, understanding etc.. 4. For example, when a person reach a certain age, under the law it range from being 16 years, 18years or 21 years of age. At this age, our `habbits' and characters are already deeply ingrained in us. 5. I personally find that one should not place too much hopes in Feng Shui for the issue of improving relationships. This is because, it depends on both parties that need to work together e.g. understanding, commitment to each other etc... And even attend workshops or go for counselling sessions. To discover about themselves and their partners. 6. I always believe that we should only use the best tools of e.g. Feng Shui, Destiny or Bazhi. But in my personal opinion, there is no direct link between these theories to `improving relationships' nor fertility. If there is a direct relationship, someone would have written, or followed up by many Feng Shui practitioners on this topic. Even Bazhi Feng Shui has no DIRECT connection with these two issues. The end result you will see an endless stream of books written on the above. Have many of us come across such a book? Think about it. The closest and most common advise is to locate the "relationshop" corner under Eight Aspirations which is based on "kindergarden" Feng Shui. 7. Current tools like Flying Star can locate sickness sectors. For example, if one is constantly sick, and if it is due to the sickness or misfortune star, `curing' it helps. But let me emphasise that there is no direct relationship with fertility or improving relationships. Most of the cures or claims for cures would in my opinion be partially based on " Chinese beliefs ". For some people, it is beliefs like, before the wedding, the couple invite a healthy baby boy to roll over their bed etc... Do you find it logical for this practise? Does it come under Feng Shui? But in my personal opinion, as I mentioned above, both parties for example must make an effort to make things work between themselves. 8. I do not like the idea of giving false hopes that e.g. placing a object at a location or even changing bedrooms e.g. from master bedroom to another room would automatically improve one's relationship. 9. I understand that Feng Shui can in someway help in the issue of relationship and fertility but nowadays, it is more complex. For example, we have developed the module on Pillars of Comparison to determine the binding element for two persons. More software will be developed once we can find something useful. The rationale is because of the complexities of clashes, elements etc.. computing power is the obvious choice for such analysis. Chinese astrology also provides the compatibility and degree of compatibility of two persons (Year of birth) under www.lovesigns.net This allows one to understand our personal `characteristics' or `traits' and other people's charactertistics. By doing so, one can then better understand each other's `faults' and imperfections. However, these Chinese signs like its Western Zodiac sign cousins can tell us what it is like or `predict' week after week but unlike e.g. Flying Star analysis, is unable to offer a `cure'. For example, if there is an imbalance of fire element.. what to do. 10. Therefore, we have always considered Chinese Astrology (Year of birth only) as found under lovesigns.net more for `fun'. 11. In the past, we do not have so much preservatives in our food, all types of genetically modified products, greater pollution, new diseases e.g. AIDs, hole in the ozone layer and many more modern problems, issue of whether Handphones are safe etc.. 12. I believe one should place more emphasis into the research to all these areas under science or medical research and not rely on Feng Shui under this area. It is easy to say that relationship or fertility has been improved through Feng Shui but the question is what is the success rate like or could it be due to other reasons? 13. Scientists and medical people have recently developed new methods to test fertility and even other break thrus in artificial insemination. It would be best left to experts in these areas to help the poor couple. Rather than relying too much on `Feng Shui' for such things. 14. I rather concentrate (for now) on what I believe i.e. things that work in Feng Shui e.g. identifying key problems such toilet at the centre, poison arrows aimed at main entrances and all other more focused research into Feng Shui. Some of us find it ok to have a mirror facing the bed while others are sensitive to it. Issues similar to these have to be addressed under topics such as fertility (are concerns for us). For one, I do not like to give false hopes to couples on improving relationships or to solve their fertility problems. 15. In our modern world, as I mentioned there are too many external factors that influence our relationship e.g. financial problems, stress in their jobs etc... 16. As the saying goes, " action speaks louder than words." Please prove it. Talk or making claims is simple but for most of us, we need to see some evidence or proof that it works effectively for most of us. 17. We must also try to measure the success rate. If the success rate is only 1 person out of 10,000 persons that find it effective. Can we say that it is a good `cure'? Would you "buy" or swallow such a claim? 18. As we do more research and study of Feng Shui, we hope to share things that really work. Anyone who wants to make claims, feel free to make them. The truth will ultimately prevail especially if claims cannot be fullfiled. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. For info, Bazhi Feng Shui refers to Pillars of Destiny. So far the best most reliable is the comparison of two persons to find their binding elements.

Dear Users New Additions to this forum! 1. Edu-Polls and Surveys Edu, refers to Educational Polls. You can now participate in interesting polls and surveys. The objective is to add depth to the understanding of Feng Shui and the results of the polls add interactivity and new knowledge to each of us. You can now find out how many people are comfortable sleeping with a mirror facing their bed. Or make a guess whether a building is auspicious? Do you know whether we should buy a decorative lamp or a chanderlier made of glass or crystal only? Can subsitutes like plastic or ceramic be used? Lighting is considered beneficial Qi Since lighting is considered beneificial Qi, does it matter if the lamp has to be glass or crystal. Can it be other materials like plastic? Yes, I think so. No, it has to be glass or crystal I give up! Current Results 2. Fun with Chinese Characters This new conference is an easy way to learn Chinese characters in a fun way! 3. Participating through a mailing list? For existing members participating thorough a mailing list, you can login to the forum, check the boxes to add these three conferences to your mailing list. Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

Imagine, understand not only Feng Shui but learn Chinese characters!

Majority of Traditional Feng Shui practitioners will agree that light plays an important part in generating beneficial Qi. Do you know whether we should buy a decorative lamp or a chanderlier made of glass or crystal only? Can subsitutes like plastic or ceramic be used? Participate in the poll below:- Answer will appear at a later date under the conference: Answers! to the Fun Edu-Polls. Lighting is considered beneficial Qi Since lighting is considered beneificial Qi, does it matter if the lamp has to be glass or crystal. Can it be other materials like plastic? Yes, I think so. No, it has to be glass or crystal I give up! Current Results

Dear Anon, Usually, the advise is to "go slow" with Feng Shui. It has also to do with what is the level of Feng Shui one is prepared to go into? The quickest way (but cost money) is to go for a Full Feng Shui audit by a competent FS practitioner. Else, if one wants to `learn' (learning is not good enough) but rather applying Feng Shui, one has to spent time and effort like any other disciplines. Like I mentioned, there are lots of resources available both e.g. in this website. Starting point: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/theory.htm or get yourself books on Feng Shui. For calculation under the Eight House, I recommend you spent sometime to browse through http://www.geomancy.net/fs/house1.htm or use the computerised version at www.geomancy-online.com to generate your personal Eight House Theory. For more resources, do a SEARCH in this forum. The Free Advice (General Topics) already has 2213 messages (half of them are replies and responses). Warmest Regards, Cecil