2025-07-09 28Hse Editor
Worshipping the four corners of the home is a traditional feng shui ritual performed when moving into a new home or shop. It is believed to cleanse negative energy, bless the space, and bring peace and prosperity. While many have heard of this practice, few know the details of how to prepare and conduct the ritual. This guide explains the process step by step.
The ritual is commonly performed by those who believe in feng shui, whether they are buying or renting a property. If you are buying a home, worshipping the four corners is usually done before renovations start. For rented spaces, the ritual should be completed as soon as you receive the keys and before officially moving in.
Timing is crucial for this ritual. It cannot be performed arbitrarily and requires choosing an auspicious date and time. You can consult the Chinese almanac (Tong Shing) or a feng shui expert to identify the best timing. It is important to avoid unlucky periods, such as the first fifteen days of the Lunar New Year, which may harm financial luck, or the seventh lunar month, also known as Ghost Month, as it could attract bad luck.
The ritual is best performed in the morning or before 1PM and should be completed before nightfall since nighttime is associated with heavier negative energy ("yin").
The preparation involves gathering five sets of offerings, all placed on paper plates. Items include a set of designated paper offerings, Chinese liquor with small cups, five pairs of red candles, at least fifteen incense sticks, peanuts with shells, candies, five-colored beans (red, green, black, yellow, and mung beans), three types of fruits such as apples, oranges, and pears, and a tray for burning paper offerings.
As for which four corners to include in the ritual, interpretations vary. Some define the four corners as the corners of the living room, while others consider the corners of the entire property or office. After completing the offerings at the four corners, the final spot to be honored is the center of the living room or office.
On the day of the ritual, the offerings are placed in the four corners of the home and in the center of the living space. The ritual’s paper set includes a yellow "Da Bai Jie" paper, where the home’s address and owner’s names are written in order of age, from oldest to youngest. Once the setup is complete, incense and candles are lit, and the participants walk around the house silently making wishes for safety, prosperity, and harmony.
Some additional precautions should be taken. Participants should avoid wearing white, linen, or overly revealing clothing. Pregnant women are advised not to take part to prevent physical strain and to avoid disturbing the "spirit of the fetus." Moreover, care must be taken not to blow out the fire directly, as this act is disrespectful and could disrupt the ritual’s intent.
By carefully following these steps and observing the necessary etiquette, the four corners worshipping ritual can be performed smoothly, bringing good fortune and positive energy to your new home.
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