The process of moving involves many nuances, and while many traditional practices have been abandoned, moving is a significant event in one's life. Therefore, it's crucial to be mindful of moving taboos and customs during the relocation. This ensures that the move brings good fortune to the homeowner and guarantees a smooth journey for both career and family.
First and foremost, attention should be given to the selection of the moving date.
Based on the principles of choosing a lucky day, when planning to move into a new home, it's essential to consider factors such as the family's (especially the homeowner's) zodiac signs, birth year stems and branches (day pillar), the orientation of the new house, the Four Killings and the Return to the Invoker, as well as individual conditions for each person. One should not simply rely on the farmer's almanac or common books that say "it's a good day to move" and then decide to move. Just because a day is suitable for someone else's move doesn't necessarily mean it's suitable for yours.
The moving date should not clash with the family member's "zodiac" and "Day Pillar" (the "Heavenly Stem and Earth Branch" of the lunar birthday), especially avoiding conflicts with the homeowner's "Day Pillar" (the clashes of the Zi-Ni, Chu-Wei, Yin-Xun, Mao-Qi, Chen-Xu, Si-Hai, Yin-Shen, and the penalties of Yin-Xun, Chu-Xu, Wei-Xu, and Zi-Mao). Opt for "Water Days" as much as possible, minimize "Fire Days," and choose a lucky day; the time must be before noon. Once a good date is selected, check the lunar calendar for the day that is auspicious for moving in and settling. Pay attention to moving before noon, as the time before noon is considered "yang" and after noon is "yin." Try to move during the yang time.
Next, be mindful of the taboos when moving houses.
Before the son officially moves into his new home, it is customary to invite the father to "warm the house," meaning to have the father stay in the new house for a few days to bring good fortune to the descendants. Red couplets should be pasted on the door of the new residence before the move, symbolizing a prosperous and vibrant life, and also to inform the gods and spirits, as well as the neighbors. Fireworks: Before moving items into the new home, fireworks should be set off to inform the gods and spirits, seeking their protection.
In feng shui, there is a belief that "water brings wealth." To ensure a continuous flow of prosperity after moving into a new home, it is customary to carry a half pot of water from the old home and fill the pot at the new residence. This mixed water is then used for cooking and drinking. After moving into the new house, a sacrifice is offered to the "house deity" of the new home to pray for the deity's protection and peace for the household. The female head of the household (representing the entire family) stands at the main gate, facing the direction of the land god, offering eight pieces of yellow paper and eight pieces of longevity gold (yuanbao), symbolizing the eight cardinal directions and all eight sides. Subsequently, the husband and wife each hold three sticks of incense, circling the house once, signifying good fortune and the scent filling the house.
Moving Tips After Relocation
Three days prior to moving in, all the lights in the house should be turned on, shining for three days and three nights until the day you move in. This is called the "Fire Temple." The three days and three nights of lighting signify that the fire, once lit, brings prosperity to the home and also allows for the circulation of air, subsequently chasing away the negative elements. The "Fire Temple" originally refers to a ritualistic burning performed on land before construction begins. If we are purchasing a house from a construction company, we are unaware of how they conducted the "Fire Temple" at the time. Hence, we opt for the aforementioned method to do it ourselves.
Celebrate the housewarming party on the day of the move, or choose a different date if you're too busy. Alternatively, after moving into the new home, hosting friends for tea sessions can also be a great way to keep the house lively.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when moving, but there are many more. Elephant Movers suggests homeowners refer to these tips for good luck.
Each step of moving is quite meticulous; however, many traditional practices have been abandoned. Moving is a significant event in one's life, so it's essential to be aware of moving taboos and customs during the process. This ensures a lucky move for the homeowner and guarantees a smooth path for both career and family.
