17/02/2024
The Feng Shui Customs and Taboos of the Eighth Day of the First Lunar Month
The eighth day of the first lunar month, also known as the "Shunxing Festival," holds great significance in Chinese culture. Here are some of the customs and taboos associated with this day in terms of feng shui:
Customs:
1. Worshiping the God of Grains: This is one of the most important customs on this day. The "God of Grains" is worshipped as it is believed to bring a bountiful harvest. In ancient times, when agriculture was the foundation of society, a good harvest of grains was crucial for people's livelihoods. Hence, people offer sacrifices to the God of Grains, praying for a prosperous harvest and smooth weather.
2. Conducting the "Welcoming the Stars" ritual: According to traditional Chinese astrology, each person has a "natal star" or "the star that governs one's fate in a particular year." It is believed that on this day, the stars descend to earth. People light small lamps and conduct a grand "welcoming the stars" ceremony, hoping to receive the blessings of the stars and bring good luck in the new year.
3. Celebrating the Festival of the Eight Immortals: The Eight Immortals in Chinese folklore include Li Tieguai, Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, He Xianggu, Lan Caihe, Lv Dongbin, Han Xiangzi, and Cao Guojiu. As representatives of longevity, health, and wisdom in traditional Chinese culture, the Eight Immortals are revered. Various celebrations are held on this day, including performances, parades, and rituals, to express respect and blessings.
4. Releasing animals for good fortune: People buy small animals such as fish, birds, and turtles and release them into the wild, symbolizing compassion and kindness towards life. This act is believed to accumulate good karma and bring good luck and peace in the new year.
5. Women swinging on swings: Swinging on swings is not only a form of entertainment but also a symbol of bravery and the pursuit of dreams. Women swing on swings, hoping for a sweet love and a happy family in the new year.
6. Opening businesses: Some businesses choose to open on this day, as "eight" sounds like "prosperity" in Chinese, signifying a thriving business and abundant wealth. Business owners hold opening ceremonies to achieve better results and achievements in the new year.
Taboos:
1. Avoiding watching red weddings on the day of the太岁: It is a widespread taboo on the God of Grains Day to avoid watching or participating in red weddings. In ancient times, there was a saying that "getting married in the first month of the lunar year means looking up at the red (auspicious color), which is not good for descendants." According to folklore, getting married in the first month is considered unfavorably as it is believed that the太岁 would press down on the couple, potentially affecting their offspring. Therefore, even if the couple deeply loves each other, it is advisable to postpone the wedding and choose a more suitable date after the first month.
2. Wasting food: Wasting food is believed to have an adverse impact on financial fortune, so it is important to avoid this on this day.
3. Using foul language: Using foul language may negatively affect interpersonal relationships and one's fortune, so it is best to avoid it on this day.
4. Breaking bowls: Breaking bowls is believed to have an adverse effect on financial fortune and family harmony, so caution is necessary to prevent this from happening.
In conclusion, the eighth day of the first lunar month is a day filled with traditional culture and folk customs. People follow these customs and taboos in the hopes of having a safe, smooth, and auspicious new year.
