Cecil Lee

Dear Anon, 1. Most companies in China depending on their origin either has a 5 1/2 or 5 day work week. 2. Usually, the Multi national companies, offer 5 day work week. But some have gone into alternate Saturday offs. 3. It would be interesting to note, prior to China opening up their economies, some Chinese firms or companies have long lunch breaks as long as 2 hours. 4. Where, like the Mexicans, the employees get to sleep during the lunch hours! Usually, this is not often the case in the cities. But in rural China, it is still much the practise. Thus, this would be a culture shock for busy executives who intend to shift their operations to China at one time. 5. A few studies had been conducted and it was found that some companies nowadays even encourage their employees to take `cat naps' of 5 to 15 minutes. Which was said to increase their mental health and attention. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Usually, the traditional Goldsmith shops have the four types of gold. Actually, it has to do with the mixture of gold and their pureness that gives the gold different colours. Thus the `four types of gold'. This is a common practise of the Teochew dialect group. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Yes, the circular incense is quite huge. 2. There are several sizes available. The `smaller' ones burn for an hour or so. For the larger ones as seen in the picture, they burn around several hours. The time taken to burn depends also on the atmosphere. If it is hung outside and quite windy, it would burn much faster. 3. Usually, the temple guardians burn these candles. As they can be quite smoky, for this temple, it is burned outside the temple. Furthermore, this temple has quite a small and congested interior and not possible to burn so many incense inside the temple. It can become quite `smoky'. Actually, when I wrote the earlier message, I mentioned `longevity'. It is not the actual word but to give a sense that unlike a straight incense, it burns quite long thus `longevity'. It is like the Chinese, going to the restaurant and on a birthday occasion order `longevity' noodles. I was trying to bring out this point. Some call it a `stack or twirl' as when it is placed flat, it looks like a twirl. This type of incense has been used for a long time even in olden days. In Malaysia, it is quite common to find mosquito repellents in a similar twirl. These are placed on the floor and lighted up at night to `scare' aware (the fume) the mosqitoes. Usually, the guardians of the temple would light it up instead of the visitors. But it is certainly an interesting sight at night:) Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. The `kum' (orange) phonetic sound is `gold'. Thus, many Chinese homes purchase this plant which bears these tiny `kum' or gold. 2. The 15 days is because, Chinese New Year from the first day to the last day lasts 15 days. 3. The 15 days coincide with the full moon and one moon cycle. 4. For those who are rich, would after all the "gold" has dropped, as you had mentioned, discard the plant away. The fruits are purposed nurtured by the nursey to bloom during this period and normally, although they can be eatened, but because of decorative reasons and the amount of fertilizer that went into the plant, it would not be adviseable to do so. 5. As mentioned above, usually, the `rich' would buy them. While for others, they felt `wasted' to throw the plant away and kept the plant. More often, they buy only once and seldom buy a new one during the Chinese New Year. Unfortuantely, most of the time, the plant seldom blooms afterwards. Warmest Regards, Cecil

For those who are not aware what `painting of eyes' look like, can click on this link: (It is based on the ceremony before the burial of a coffin). Only for those who are interested, here goes http://www.geomancy.net/slideshow/painteyes.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Check out this link to view the pictures of the God of Wealth (commonly also known as God of Fortune). http://www.geomancy.net/pics/teacups/index.htm For those who are new here, if you have the time, feel free to browse thru the pictures under: http://www.geomancy.net/slideshow/index.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Like all other races, celebrations depends very much on the `class' of a person. Such as the lower-income, the middle-income, the rich and the very rich. Unfortuantely it is a fact that each `class' has its ability to celebrate weddings differently. some middle class may resort to borrowing to come to the same level of the rich etc... Although we do not like to bring the subject of `class', this would affect the scope of celebrations. 1. In the past, many Chinese weddings are conducted as a group wedding. This is cheaper due to economies of scale and widely practised there. 2. Overseas Chinese prefer: 2.1. If they are Chinese Christians, may hold their weddings in Church. Depending on their budget or thinking, may further host a dinner celebrations. 2.2. If there is a Chinese dinner, the dinner is usually 9 course dinner. The first dish is always a `cold dish' (assorted apetisers), you usually also have: sharks fin soup steamed fish prawns chicken or duck sometimes yam or mushroom with vegetable or vegetable with scallops noodles or fried rice dessert such as longan or sweet yam etc... 2.3 During a typical wedding dinner, it is also the cutting of the cake, and pouring of wine into wine glass. The bride and bride groom, will during part of the dinner, go up to their room and `change' of clothes. 3. Next, they will visit each table and everyone will propose a toast to the couple. Those very familiar with the couple (especially their classmates) will shout `Yam Seng' three times and as loud as possible for good luck. 4. Wedding tables range from a few to as many as 100 or 150 tables. 5. Before the wedding, the parents from both sides will meet and agree with the arrangements. 6. `Footing' of the bill will depend greatly on the wealth and particularly, how much `face' or how `proud' each family wants to be. 7. For example, if the groom's parents are well off and offers to pay for the entire dinner, then, there is no issue. 8. On the otherhand, the groom's parents will usually pay for all the bride's family's tables if they can. 9. Recently, I attended a wedding. My friend said that the bride's side offered to pay him for the `excess' tables they need. For example, the parents of the groom offered 10 tables to the bride's family. The bride's family wanted to invite more. They `feel bad' and they agree to foot the bill. 10. In Singapore, an average 5 star hotel dinner costs approximately US$330.00 (inclusive of surcharges and tax). On average, they receive like Ang Pow or Red packet of between US$30 to US$100 depending on how well the guest gives. 11. Thus, if one `play with their cash flow properly' and assuming that guests give an average of US$30/- they would have recouped the wedding dinner. 12. For example, after the dinner, one pays by Visa, Mastercard or American Express, they would recoup the money or some of it from the `Red Packets' given by guests. 13. Some traditional families may demand e.g. a whole roasted pig (especially the Cantonese dialect group.) For the Teochews (bride side), they usually request for four `types of gold'. Usually, it is common for the groom's side to provide as mentioned some gold jewellry to the wife's side. 14. Chinese weddings are short. Modern ones are similar to the west. Where, a day is devoted to the customary marriage. 15. On this same day as the wedding dinner, the bride groom and bride, offer tea during a tea ceremony to their elders. Here, they will offer tea to their parents, uncles, aunties. Here, they will receive a red packet when they surve tea. In the same way, they will sit on the chair and the younger ones e.g. their brothers / sisters will offer tea to the younger ones. Here, they will give `Red Packets.' 16. On the next Chinese New Year's day, it is their turn to start giving `Red packets' to their parents, brother's: sons; daughters, nephews and niece. Thus it would be more advantages that they themselves have children. Here, their children would `earn back' Red packets. Rather than they giving them out. The more children the more, red packets one receive. 17. In Singapore, Malacca (a state in Malaysia) and other locations with `Babas', their wedding celebration could last easily more than 10 days. `Babas' are Chinese who inter marry Malays or Javanese people. Unfortunately, they do not speak mandarin but rather Malay and Chinese dialects. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Jack, 1. Assuming that the recommendation is to use 6 coins, this is considered a `specific' cure. What this means is that this cure is specific to the location. It is not an a overly huge object or item but the 6 coins (for example) represent) strong metal to cure an imbalance at a sector. 2. The cure should usually not relate to the person as it is used to balance a sector. 3. But assuming if even if it is used, as your wife is a Strong Water person and metal is still acceptable as it is beneficial to her as it neutralises her strong water element. However, para 3 is usually not considered when we balance all the various sectors. It is the specific sector which is out of balance and what we try to achieve is to neutralise or balance that `specific' sector. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, So far, as I recalled, since the history of Modern Olympic games which started in Athens, Greece in 1896, China has not hosted the games. While I believe, Moscow, USSR had hosted one in 1980. In my opinion, I feel the most `memorable' one is the games in Berlin, Germany where, documentary of Jesse James (US and `Black') who won a medal.. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Like Russia of the past, China, pay equal emphasis on sports and sports participation even in the Olympics. I believe the strongest sport I can immediately think of is table tennis. This is easily their best area. Plus volleyball etc.. In the last decade or two, they have also excelled in badminton, competition diving and even swimming to name a few. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, One can still generally apply the concept: "If one cannot see it, it no longer becomes a threat." The earlier `issue' was torns on the stalk of rose or the saying goes, "a rose amongst the thorns or a thorn amongst the rose?" Usually, if it is just roses etc.. this would be acceptable. More so if the rose is red. Red is considered an auspicious colour to the Chinese. Thus, there should not be an issue here. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Brenda, 1. In Feng Shui, one should not look to `dominate'. 2. A much nicer sounding word would be a binding element i.e. an element that can bind the two persons together. 3. For information, there is a Free report: Comparison Report (to be used inconjunction with version 7.0 of Pillars of destiny report). 4. Here, you simply select the Person A and Person B's particulars for comparison. 5. Advise is given on which is the best binding element for the two persons. 6. I have always used this module to generate reports and advise the clients especially on what colors to `bind' them in locations both spent time at especially their bedroom. The report is at http://www.geomancy-online.com Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Pinto, 1. The Eight House is but only one of the many considerations in Feng Shui. 2. Under this theory, it is best to avoid staying long in an inauspicious sector. Nothing much really can be done, if one continues to be at this sector unless one moves away. One consolation is that the `Spook' is still not as bad as the `death or disaster' sector. Usually, if one does not feel sick all the time or generally, things are `ok', then, one do not really need to use any other Feng Shui theories to further look at the house. It would be different if one is constantly sick etc.. Then, the recommendation is to do a through Feng Shui audit. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Benard, 1. The saying goes: "A little knowledge is always a dangerous thing." 2. One must remember that most Chinese are only familar with Chinese Astrology. 3. Not only this but all Chinese Astrology books relate a person's "element" simply to their YEAR of birth. 4. So, you are correct to say that your YEAR of birth is the FIRE HORSE. 5. But, under Pillars of Destiny, this is no longer the case. 6. As most of us are aware, Pillars of Destiny looks at our Year, Month, Day and Time of birth. 7. The most important pillar that is highlighted is the Day of birth. In your case, since your DAY of birth is " Geng " or Metal, Pillars of Destiny analysis thus consider your element as a Metal - Horse. Since your day of birth is on a Metal day and not a Fire day. Thus taking the YEAR reading is too general in this case. Hope the above clarifies the "disparity." Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. I believe what you are referring to is based on the Five elements in relation to the Flying Star numbers. 2. At each sector, there can be `conflicts' of the Five elements. 3. The `conflicts' can be seen as either helpful or harmful. 4. For example, if the `conflicting' element aids or help to neutralise or contain a bad element, then this is helpful. 5. Another example, if the rogue element is a the Five Yellow or Strong Earth, it would be nice to have a conflicting `Strong wood' element to neutralise it. 6. If the `position of conflict' is based on Traditional Feng Shui, then, one should use the Five Elements to analyse the conflict or complement to each other. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Kaushal, There is no evidence to suggest that it is harmful to keep `junk' especially in the storeroom. However, it would certainly be `nice' if clutter could be cleared (if possible). Thus the above is `secondary'. More important factors in Feng Shui should be considered such as good Shapes and Form etc.. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Mark, Please see below:- If you want to do an audit, there are available online tools available. Alternatively, all users are open to hiring a FS consultant if they want to. But please do not sent me a floor plan with dates of birth and expect me to do all the ground work. My main purpose is to help users in the recommendations and analysis. It is best to get all things correct in Feng Shui than just figuring where your wealth area is. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Pablo, Grateful if you could elaborate further: 1. How large is the septic tank. 2. Are you staying in a landed property. 3. A sketch if possible of the compound of the house. 4. Is this a hospital or home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Daniel, 1. The concept: "If one cannot see it, it no longer becomes a threat." applies here. 2. What you basically need to do is to protect your `windows' and the `back door'. What you need to do, is to; if you have a window or back door, stand inside the house facing outwards. If the poison arrow cuts thru or can be seen pointed into the house, this is where the house `becomes' vulnerable. Should there be poison arrows aimed at a window, you can resort to use a thicker curtain or close the windows. For the backdoor, close it when not in use. This is how, we should `protect' our house. Those areas that allow poison arrows to `fly' in. The same should be done to check the various windows in the house. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear "UnKnown", 1. Usually, the placement of a water positions at certain locations, need further analysis (if possible). 2. Placing a water position can be analysed under: 2.1 Is there a poison arrow? As mentioned in previous messages, Hong Kong Feng Shui practitioners have a `habit' of advising their clients to place a fish tank e.g. at a window to counteract a poison arrow or Sha Qi of e.g. a lone lamp post. This is to neutralise the Sha Qi. 2.2 To `activate' water star or enhance Qi. Such as the use of fountains or water positions. Here, some Feng Shui practitioners either:- - Use their `feelings' to suggest a location. (Closer to the Shapes and Form School) - Others use the Flying Star and then recommend a location. 3. Generally, West is a Yin location (setting sun) as opposed to the East, Yang location. Thus one way of looking at it is that water is also `yin'. Because it is fluid. Too much water may create a too yin location. In addition, especially if there are large trees or lots of trees outside the house. As mentioned, trees themselves are Yang, but the shade it provides, may create a more yin environment. 4. I have to use the Yin and Yang concept to elaborate, as we do not know the full details of you and your family or your house's audit details. 5. Another factor could be to watch out the sickness and misfortune numbers under the Flying Star in the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. So far, there is any mentioned anywhere that keeping family pictures/portaits in the bedroom is bad. 2. Ideally, often, a picture of both the married couples (especially a selected wedding photo is placed on a photo frame and placed on a side table or some hang it on the wall (above the headrest) of the bed. 3. It is still acceptable to have photos of the family e.g. the children with the parents in the bedroom. 4. Usually for pictures/portrait of the deceased relatives, it is usually not placed in the bedroom. Especially so, if the eyes of the deceased has been "painted" in a ceremony. What is "painted" eyes? This is where, when someone dies, and if a family would like to worship their `ancestor'. For example, their father or mother. Sometime during the funeral ceremony, for example, the eldest son would carry the picture of his father on his back. The `Master of Ceremony' would then use a Chinese brush with black paint to paint the `eyes' of the picture. Here, this is symbolic of giving the portait or picture, `eyes' to see. 5. Thus if one has a picture or portait with `painted' eyes, it is the custom not to place the picture/portait in the bedroom. Here, the bedroom is considered a `dirty' place. This range from one may most likely change their clothes etc... It is thus considered disrespectful to let a `family' member see one... Warmest Regards, Cecil

1. The Furama Hotel is in the shape of fingers raising upwards to the sky. 2. It looks wavy and is considered the water element. 3. A picture of a typical restuarant front is also shown.

1. This is an old temple, in the heart of the central business district. 2. One unique feature is the burning of a `longevity' or spiral incense. There are lots of it strung across the court yard.

Please see attached.

Dear Anon, 1. Dyed eggs are eggs, placed in hot water and red edible dye. 2. Red is an auspicious colour. 3. Birthday 6, 8 or 12 eggs are boiled with the red edible dye. No. of eggs boiled depending on the number of family members. 4. Baby's One Month Celebration 2, 4 or 6 eggs are given out plus other gifts such as `treats' are given out. Nowadays, eggs and a full rounded each cake are given out to relative and friends. Warmest Regards, Cecil