Black Jade Pixiu

The Pixiu is a Chinese mythical hybrid creature considered to be an auspicious creature that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing wealth luck from all directions. He is believed to be the ninth offspring of the Celestial Dragon King and has a big appetite for gold and silver which he brings to his master. He is perceived to be a strong and fierce creature who protects his master from any bad luck or illnesses.

Hand carved in Black Jade, he is capable to help anyone suffering from bad Feng Shui especially if you are in conflict with the Grand Duke of Jupiter. Thus carrying one with you will bring you all the good fortune for the year and mitigate any bad Feng Shui around you.

Get your Black Jade Pixiu here.

Chinese New Year Traditions and Customs

Credit: Google Images

Chinese New Year Traditions are very important to Chinese people. It is an occasion when Chinese traditions and customs are being practiced. It is a form of cultural transmission and illuminates the values of ethnic Chinese. The Chinese New Year celebration is a colourful, symbolic and joyous time where family gatherings and auspicious greetings are exchanged to usher in a prosperous year.

A series of customary activities start a few weeks before the Chinese New Year. Here are some of the common practices before the New Year.

It is traditional for every family to thoroughly cleanse the house, in order to sweep away any ill-fortune and to make way for good incoming luck.

Repay all your debts so that you would not be buried in a mountain of debts

Resolve any differences with your relatives, family members, friends and business associates so that there would be harmony in the New Year

Windows and doors will be decorated with red colour couplets with popular themes of good fortune, wealth and longevity.

Oranges and tangerines are displayed to signify abundance and happiness.

Candy tray filled with eight varieties of dried sweet fruits is placed on the coffee table to start the New Year on a sweet note.

Nian-Gao a sweet round golden brown cake made of sugar and glutinous rice is a must have as it symbolizes growth and good fortune

Floral decorations for the New Year are also very popular in Chinese families. Flowers are believed to be symbolic of wealth and prosperity. The following are popular plants for decorations in Chinese New Year.

Peach Blossom
Credit: Google Images

Peach blossom (symbolizes good luck)
Plum blossom (symbolizes good luck)
Kumquat plants (symbolizes prosperity and happiness)
Narcissus and Chrysanthemum (symbolizes good health and longevity)
Bamboo (A plant used for anytime of year for its compatibility.)

Many people will also check predictions of their luck in the New Year. The Chinese calendar has a 60 year cycle and each year is presided by a star. Everyone has a star that corresponds with the year of birth. This birth star may conflict with year’s presiding star, 犯太岁 creating difficulties at work or even your personal life. To avoid or minimize the impact, a consultation is normally advised in order to avoid making the wrong decision at the wrong time.

Last but not least, gift exchange is another popular practice before Chinese New Year. Chinese sausages, mushrooms, seafood and black sea-moss or more commonly known as fa-cai are popular gifts ideas due to its auspicious meaning.

On New Year Eve, gather with family members for a sumptuous meal. Food is served generously and family ties are strengthened. Children should stay awake so that their parents will be blessed with a long and healthy life. With all the above preparations, welcome the New Year with a Bang at midnight!! By the way, It is considered auspicious to keep your lights on and open all your doors and windows to welcome the New Year.

On New Year Day, new clothes are usually worn to signify the New Year. It is also the tradition for every family to visit their elders by exchanging oranges and auspicious greetings. The highlight for children and younger members of the family during these visits comes in little red packets, or “hong bao”, filled with money. There are however, some taboos which are still observed today.

Do not wear black as they are colours of mourning.
Do not greet people in mourning.
Do not sweep the floor or you may accidently sweep away your luck.
Do not mention the word “death” as you do not want to welcome death
Do not use knives or scissors or you may cut off your fortune.
Do not borrow money or you would be in debt all year.

Throughout the 15 days of Chinese New Year, many traditions and customs are still observed till today. However, the aura of Chinese New Year is infused with affection and affability and as long as one appreciates that family ties is paramount, then enjoyment and good fortune is bound to follow. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Hungry Ghost Festival

For thousands of years, people have been deluded and superstitious about ghost. Ironically the seventh month in the lunar calendar is called the Hungry Ghost Month. On the first day of the seventh month, it is believed that the Gates of Hell open to allow ghosts and spirits access to the world of the living.

Although there are many myths and stories about the Hungry Ghost Month, it is in fact a time to be grateful and show compassion to the dead. According to tradition, filial piety is extended to the ancestors even after their death. Thus, the Chinese would worship their ancestors with elaborate meals during this time of the year. Other activities include burning incense, joss paper, and a papier-mâché form of material items such as clothes, gold and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors.

Besides worshipping their ancestors, many people also believed that they can appease the Hungry Ghosts by offering food and paper money to them. Many makeshift altars are set up along sidewalk or outside the house to offer food, paper money and paper clothes. Some people even perform Taoists and Buddhists rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. In reality, they are extending an act of compassion to the spirits whose family no longer venerated their ancestors.

In Asian countries, some people may hold large celebrations with live performance by local as well as overseas singers while other people simply release miniature paper boats and lanterns on water to give direction to the lost ghosts and spirits of the ancestors. In reality, there is no right or wrong as long you show an act of compassion and love for your late ancestors or the dead.

Nonetheless, many people still feel uncomfortable during this month. Moving into a new house or commencing a new business is still considered inauspicious. People are discouraged to travel or even go to the sea to swim for fear of water spirits. As a result, these taboos have instilled much fear in many people. Whenever we have fears, our auric fields will be weakened and our vibration will drop. As a result, you may attract negative feelings or sometimes even have sightings during this period. It is therefore, recommended to carry crystals that help to keep your vibration high or even deflect such negative energies. Black Tourmaline and Obsidian is recommended as these stones have the ability to deflect negative energies. Carrying one with you would make you feel safe during this period. Other crystals like Clear Quartz, Moldavite and Nuumite can also increase your vibration and reduce your anxiety. If you are constantly having nightmares, place an Amethyst and Rose Quartz tumble under your pillow. The synergy of these two stones will keep you relax and have a good night sleep. So bring out all your crystals today if all those myths and stories are making you scared during the Hungry Ghost Month.