Year of the Dragon – Day Four & Five

Day Four

Day four is very much a continuity of day three…the God of Wrath is still on the war path and many people consider it bad luck to go outside – unless of course you are visiting tombs, graves or the God at the Temple of Wealth.

Day Five

Day five is known as the “Po Woo”. The Kitchen God is welcomed on this day (he also goes by the name of God of Stove or God of Fortune). He is greeted with a few sweet dishes, fruit and wine. Many people consider it good luck to touch the Kitchen God’s belly! In many sources he is also referred to as the “God of Wealth”.

Many people believe it is bad luck to leave the house on day five should you miss your visit from the God of Wealth.

For those who follow the traditional rules of the Festival they will only have reopened their business today. Dragon and lion dances will be performed at the front doors of these businesses for luck.

It is also a great day to go shopping! Many reopened businesses will give away “red packets” to the first few customers through the door – many shops will also have special deals on this day – much like our own Boxing Day sales.

Many people will celebrate with fire crackers on this day to attract the attention of the Gods!

We have two recipes for today -

Today’s Horoscopes:

(Sheep/ Goat):
The Moon is shining for the Sheep in 2012. Falling in love, being moonstruck, and feeling romantic are part of the year’s offerings of fantastical experiences – perhaps even marriage. The Moon also grants fortune, a promotion at work, or an upswing in business for Sheep. However, it is important to keep yourself balanced and not be consumed by the passions of a new love or over-confidence at work.

(Ox):
In 2012, the Ox is surrounded by the stars of heavenly mercy, good fortune, and happiness. Even if instances of conflict or jealousy arise in which you feel misunderstood, you don’t need to fight a lonely battle as long as you let unpleasant or discouraging words roll off of you. Like a deft martial artist, deflect rather than absorb the attacks and you will remain unharmed and feel an overall sense of peace. Negative influences can also be better addressed through positive visualizations and connection via meditation practice.

Quirky facts of the day:

The Chinese invented paper, toilet paper, the compass, gunpowder and printing.

Cricket fighting is a popular amusement in China. Many Chinese children keep crickets as pets

Word of the Day:
“wǒ è le” – I am hungry!
Like to know how to pronounce it? Click here!