Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, family and food, but in China it's also a time of superstition and fortune-forecasting.
From having kids to making career choices, hundreds seek Beijing Feng Shui Master Wang Hao Hua’s advice every Lunar New Year.
“They wonder in 2017 what are some wise investments, should they change their household decoration, setting or furniture positions. 'Is it a good time to have a baby?' These are the most common questions,” Master Wang told SBS.
Master Wang uses ancient Chinese texts known as the Zhou Yi to predict his clients' futures. Those born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be confident and hard-working, and according to Master Wang, it's a good year for investment.
“In the year 2017 things will go up and you can invest more in reasonable investments, and that will be rewarding for everyone,” he said.
It’s advice his client, businessman Cui Jie, was happy to hear.
“I have my own business and I always want to make sure this is better than the last, so I'm happy if someone can tell me to avoid certain mistakes. It's helpful to have instructions with my career and life,” said Mr Cui after a meeting with Master Wang.
People don’t only choose to seek to read their fortune via Feng Shui. Tarot psychic Hao Ting said during this period his workload triples. Most clients come to see him curious about the same things.
“Each time we eat dumplings it feels like we're celebrating a festival."
“They ask me, 'it's a new year, what are the bad things that might happen?', 'what can I do to make good things happen?' But mostly they ask about romance and financial fortune… everyone loves talking about these things,” said Mr Hao.
Those born in the Year of the Rooster themselves may see more risks than rewards in the new year, according to Mr Hao.
“This year is bad for the rooster people. You can clearly tell which ones are born in the year of the rooster from their cards," Mr Hao said.
"Even though they don't say what animal year they are, you can tell because the cards give it away. So we remind them of ways to avoid bad things and improve their future.”
Watch: Lunar New Year explainer
In China, avoiding bad luck sometimes means acting early. Across the city of Beijing hair salons have been packed.
According to superstition a new hair do before the new year is good, but one shortly after is not.
“Everyone wants a new look for the new year, but they say don't cut your hair in the first month of the new year or your family will suffer,” barber Li Song said.
Auspicious red and gold symbols are hung above entrances to invite good luck into homes, and festive decorations lure shoppers into malls to buy gifts.
Lunar New Year Source: Flickr/IQRemix
But while winter temperatures are below freezing outside, kitchens in homes all over the country are steaming.
Traditional Chinese steamed dumplings are synonymous with Lunar New Year celebrations in China, particularly in the country's north. The dish represents family unity and prosperity, and eating dumplings during Lunar New Year is said to bring good luck.
Beijing dumpling chef and restaurateur Shi Xinzhong said they're integral to the new year.
“Each time we eat dumplings, it feels like we're celebrating a festival. It gives us a sense of joy and we feel good, " he said.
China also has a lot of traditions about dumplings, like to put a coin in one of the dumplings and whoever eats it will have a whole year of joy and happiness.”
Millions across China are already travelling long distances to join family. At midnight on the 28th of January fireworks will be lit, scaring off evil spirits and marking the beginning of the seven day holiday.
Source: Brett Stevens
Over the subsequent week, families will gather to perform rituals such as exchanging money in red envelopes and praying at temples, all wishing for a lucky year ahead.
