Office warming - to move into new premises

[Cecil Lee]

Office Warming (like Home warming) is considered an essential part in bringing good Qi and luck for the occupants in the new premises.
Another major consideration (or superstition) is to `ward' off evil spirits.
1. First, an auspicious day and time is chosen for the move. If one does not consult a FS practitioner, than a good date is usually the 15th day of each lunar month. up. (Full moon).
2. On that day, all windows, openings, grilles or opening in the walls and if there is skylight into the building, it has to be be covered up e.g. with black paper. The duration of this `black-out' is for an hour before the Office Warming Starts.
3. Make sure that all electrical lightings and power (power-points) are switched offered during this time.
4. Often, the tradition of a red cloth banner is hung over the front door.
Here is the interesting part:-
5. When it is nearing the time for the office warming, the owner or the manager would start the charcoal stove by lighting it up ..the coal and make sure that the charcoal is burning hot. This symbolises " boom " in business.
6. At the precise time (that was chosen), the owner has to place the stove at the centre of the main entrance. He has to walk over the stove with his left foot first, then followed by his right foot. His employees follow him behind and do the same.
7. The owner opens the main entrance door and takes down the red banner.
8. The black paper covering windows etc.. are quickly removed to welcome the `light' coming in.
9. Now, the power or lightings are switched on.
10. It is the belief that during this ceremony, all office employees stay around and should not leave the premises - symbolic of maintaining harmony.
Warmest Regards,
Cecil Lee