On 29 January a brand new lunar year begins, and whether Chinese or Filipino, families celebrate this important event, which is also a special non-working holiday.
One of the most important things to do is prepare one’s home for the upcoming year of the Wood Snake. A fresh new chi (energy) brings good fortune.
Here are some of the relevant things we need to do to welcome the year of the Wood Snake.
This starts on 7 January. Look at every nook and cranny of your home including cupboards, refrigerators, drawers and the tops of your cabinets to sweep away dust and remove the stale energy of the past year. This is also a good time to throw out old newspapers, magazines, plastic ware that are disposable and other things that are never to be used again.
While cleaning, keep a lookout for parts of your homes that need repairs, such as broken cabinet doors or any leaking faucets. It is important to know that any leaking faucet means “loss of money” or “unnecessary expenses to occur.”
After completing your repairs and cleaning, the next move is to rearrange your furniture, tables, chairs and other house fixtures. If there is any damage in your sofa sets, they should be replaced or repaired. Another important thing to remember is that your dining table represents the Rice Bowl of the family; it should always be in a good condition.
Now we move to our resting place, the bedroom. The condition of your bed plays an important role in how the year will turn out for you. If your bed is broken or damaged, obstacles may easily come to your life If the bed frame is broken, relationships will be affected especially between husband and wife. Better fix it ahead.
Another important aspect is the cutlery, as well as the plates, cups and bowls used in serving dishes. Be sure they have no cracks or chips; better throw those away.
Every year, I replace my plates at home, as there is a saying that any bad thing that happened that year will be left behind. Remember that using damaged plates or broken drinking glasses and utensils is not good. This will affect your progress and also your wealth.
Be sure to clean your cupboards, clothes drawers and even your shoe racks. Try to consider giving or donating old clothes that you have not worn for so many years.
Cleaning your cabinet and drawer is not only removing bad luck, it also allows for new things to come into your life.
On 6, 8, 9 or 12 January, clean your home altar in preparation for the Chinese New Year.
The kitchen is the most important part of your home; this is the place where food is prepared and cooked which brings the family together. You must ensure that your kitchen is well-stocked with food supplies.
Clean your rice urn or ba-nga (where you keep rice) and fill it at least ¾ full of rice. Then prepare all the food you will serve during the Chinese New Year.
Remember that you cannot use any sharp objects such as knives, on 29 January, as it will cut your luck.