Empress Li says that every New Year brings new hopes and dreams waiting to come true. We have to let go of our sad experiences. No matter how hard life may be, we cannot change the past but we can try our very best to turn misfortune into good fortune. Make the most of the present in preparation for the future to get more than what we expect. Understanding our luck enables us to change ourselves and obtain good fortune. Applying the principle of Feng Shui, which is an art of placement that allows us to live in harmony, bring good health and good relationship with people. It is neither a cult nor a religion.

Lucky preparations for the Year of the Wood Snake

The traditional Chinese New Year begins on 29 January at 12:15 a.m. and will last for 15 days. But preparation starts a month before with spring cleaning.

It is a time of renewal, sweeping out the old is considered lucky. Start the new year by considering that everything in life is fresh. Clean and decorate your home with red color. Buy new red color clothes and slippers to be worn on 29 January. Everyone should get a haircut between 20, 21, 22, 25 and 26 January so that all the bad things happened in the year of the dragon will not be carried over.

Take a pomelo (Suha) bath before 11 p.m. on 28 January. Sprinkle glitters at your doorstep to attract good fortune to your home. Throw some candies outside the street so the spirit won’t bother you for the year. Hang kiat-kiat (small orange) on the door for a prosperous year ahead.

Prepare on your dining table the following offerings and place them the center: one pineapple, three pears and, for overflowing luck, Pomelo (suha).

•Place one cup of uncooked rice (bigas), one cup of water and one cup of rock salt.

According to Chinese custom and Feng Shui practice, “being at a large gathering at the stroke of midnight (signaling the beginning of a new year) brings good and strong chi (life force). It signifies good luck to those present.”

You may visit a temple, church and/or attend a windmill parade while wearing red clothes.

Here is a list of things to do for 29 January.

•Great everyone by saying Kung Hei Fat Choy (here’s wishing you become rich). It is believed that appearance and attitude during the new year are significant as to what your fortunes would be for the entire year.

•Do not wash your hair this day, as good fortune will be depleted.

•Wear a new red panty (underwear) and accessories or clothing that are red in color is considered most auspicious.

•Refrain from losing one’s temper.