SINGAPORE (Feb 3): On any other day, there is no science to depositing your money in the bank. If there is a long line at the cash deposit machine, you simply head to another one, or you wait your turn if you’re not in a hurry.
However, things are different during the Chinese New Year holidays, or more specifically, during Li Chun (or “the beginning of spring”), where you will find yourself a tad more willing to join the snaking queues.
What is Li Chun?
Li Chun is the first solar term out of 24 terms in the Lunar New Year.
According to Master KK Siaw, Co-Founder and Feng Shui Consultant from Circle 96 Modern Feng Shui, it is also when Chinese New Year really begins.
“The date usually falls on Feb 4 every year. This means if your birthday falls before then, you still belong to the zodiac from the previous year,” he says.
The practice of Li Chun began in ancient China, where farmers prayed for a bountiful harvest in the coming new year.
Today, it is believed that there are several auspicious hours -- depending on your Chinese zodiac -- to catch during Li Chun. And when you deposit money into your bank account during these select hours, you will enjoy a bountiful bank account throughout the year.
If this is a good year for your zodiac, you will have more than one slot, so you can choose when the least crowded hour is.
What to do during Li Chun
Master Siaw believes in treating “Li Chun like any other day in the year, and believes good Li Chun habits should be practiced every day” instead.
These habits are not difficult to maintain:
1. Keeping your living space clean
Spring cleaning, where unwanted items are discarded or donated, is usually practiced right before Chinese New Year. However, “we don’t have to wait till spring cleaning to toss out items that are broken, torn, or chipped,” says Master Siaw.
2. Put on your Sunday best
Master Siaw recommends we put on our best clothes and shoes on Li Chun, like you would on Chinese New Year. He believes that dressing up helps inspire confidence within, and “attracts good and positive energy from the universe,” he adds.
3. Cash on hand
Apart from convenience, having money in your wallet helps attract wealth, or good luck. According to Master Siaw, even US President Donald Trump recommends having at least US$1,000 in your wallet at all times. “Singapore dollars will do, of course. And though electronic banking services are common today, having cold hard cash in your wallet will help boost confidence.”
Whether you believe in the act of depositing money during auspicious hours on Li Chun or not, depositing money in the bank won’t hurt either way. According to wayfengshui.com, these are the most auspicious times according to your zodiac. If you are looking to skip the queues, we hear electronic banking works, too.
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