Business opening ceremony: offerings, timing and how to do it

A business-opening ceremony launches a venture with a wish for brisk sales and smooth fortune. Careful timing and a proper offering help the owner start with confidence.

Choosing the date and hour

• Favour an auspicious day compatible with the owner's age, avoiding clashing and bad days. See Choose a good day.
• Pick an auspicious hour — check the perpetual calendar.
• Many open early in the year or on the God of Wealth day (10th of the 1st lunar month).

The offering tray

Depending on scale, it usually has:

• Incense, fresh flowers, candles, betel, tea, wine, water.
• A five-fruit tray, sticky rice, sweet soup or confections.
• A boiled meat/egg/shrimp set or a boiled chicken; roast pig for larger shops.
• Votive paper.

Set it in front of the shop, facing outward.

How to do it

Neatly dressed, the owner lights incense and prays to the local gods, Land God and God of Wealth. See the full opening prayer. After the incense burns down, burn the votive paper and make the first sale to a cheerful, compatible customer.

A folk custom, for reference and luck — success also rests on good products and service.