A TASTE of fortune
Bring in good luck with traditional nian gao and other symbols of prosperity
The Year of the Earth Dog brings us back to the basics; it is a time to reflect and revisit our foundation. “The Year of the Earth Dog is all about going back to our roots, and because of this, earth- or nature-related businesses, as well as industries that have to do with comfort and wellness, are said to flourish in 2018. The fields of design, architecture, journalism, and the like, will do well too,” says Feng Shui expert Princess Lim Fernandez.
When purchasing a property, building a home, or opening a business, favourable directions to consider include the southeast, centre, north-west, and south-west. To usher in good harmony and prosperity this year, Lim Fernandez recommends placing a double-headed money catcher that is said to catch wealth from all directions of the home or office. It is also
used to neutralise Sha Qi (negative energy). Placing a stone like amber around the house is also advisable as it attracts good luck, eliminates fear, dissolves negative energies, and helps develop patience, wisdom, and courage. For good health, a brass longevity peach should do the trick. The celebration of the New Lunar Year is not complete without sharing the traditional nian gao (glutinous rice cakes). Dating back to over thousands of years, this delicacy has always played a vital role in Chinese New Year festivities. Believed to bring prosperity, and promises for a better year, nian gao is usually enjoyed with the family or given as gifts to celebrate new beginnings. In recent years, the traditional round sticky rice cakes have evolved with fancy new flavours and auspicious shapes. Popular versions include the koi that symbolises abundance every year.