All Saints' Day Feng Shui

November 1 or All Saints' Day is when Christendom troop to cemeteries or columbaries to revere their dead. An equivalent day in April for Chinese communities globally is called Ching Ming.

In feng shui, these days are the primary memorial days for doing ancestral worship under Chinese traditions. The main reason for making visits to the grave or columbary of the dear departed is to make an expression of love or filial piety - of wishing them comfort, wellbeing in the afterlife.

That is why three primordial offerings evolved over time.

• Lighting of incense or candles to serve as medium of communication, with the belief since ancient civilizations that smoke that goes up to heaven will bring with it the offeror's prayers and well wishes to the subject dead. Like, it's similar to modern telecoms!

• Food that the subject enjoyed while alive, along with other symbolic lucky food offerings that attract prosperity and well being in the afterlife. Thus tangerines or oranges abound, as well as grapes and other sweet fruits. No bitter fruits are offered. Likewise longevity fruit symbols or vegetables are taboo: lettuce, radish, longgan among others! No too to bitter or sour fruits, and those with plenty of seeds like guava. The dear departed's favorite drink or drinks, even liquor, may be offered too.

• Symbolic burning of kim or gold or money (heaven or hell monies) offerings are done either outside, beside the grave or at home at the altar or nearby garden or garage.

Cleaning of gravesite is a must to allow good chi to prevail and circulate. There must be no cracks on grave nameplates or tomb itself. Replace right away or repair such occurrences.

In feng shui, the grave or columbary is the ancestral transmitter tower that enables descendants to receive the good vibes and blessings of the dead.

More so, if you are the lead caretaker of an ancestor's tomb, you inherit the virtues and luck of the departed above all others.

That is why some Chinese families even have sibling rivalries that reach up to court cases just for the custody and care of a dearly departed mother or father for feng shui purposes!

Whatever is offered to the dead returns six folds, money offerings included. Thus, the urban legend in Manila's Chinese Cemetery of how a taipan offers six truckloads of money offerings to be incinerated monthly for his deceased father.

Never allow anybody to step on the departed's grave.

Flower offerings symbolize happiness.

Always remember that each time you visit a grave or tomb, you are in the holy presence not only of your God but of the departed too.

On top of it all, always remember too to express in prayer how you love them dearly and pray for them daily if possible.

And in fun and pun, never forget what not to do - never make a conjugal visit to a dearly departed if widowed or a widower! For both legal, mental and hygienic reasons so to speak.

Happy All Saints' Day Everyone and for late comers, Happy All Souls' Day!