In Chinese culture, the tradition of selecting auspicious dates for important events is called ze ji (择吉) in Mandarin. This practice is especially common when deciding the right time to return to work after the Lunar New Year holiday. It’s a well-established custom to choose favorable dates for key activities, ensuring that the year ahead starts off on a positive note.
Historically, the Spring Festival holiday would last a couple of weeks, but in recent years, many businesses, particularly in places like Hong Kong, reopen after just a few days, with workers typically returning after a three-day break. In 2026, the fourth day of the first month of the Year of the Fire Horse falls on a Friday but is it the most favorable day to return to work?
Hong Kong feng shui expert Li Kui-ming suggests that February 20, 2026, is an especially auspicious day to start working again, setting the stage for a smooth and prosperous year ahead. He recommends the optimal time for resuming work is between 7am and 9am. If that’s not possible, the next best time frame is 11am to 1pm. However, this day is not ideal for those born in the Year of the Goat (羊), as it is not aligned with their astrological chart. Fortunately, other dates are more favorable for them.
Feng shui masters agree that February 25, March 3, and March 5 are the best days to return to work in 2026. On these days, you can expect good fortune if you start your workday at the following times:
- February 25: 7am to 3pm, 5pm to 7pm
- March 3: 9am to 11am, 1pm to 3pm, 5pm to 11pm
- March 5: 5am to 3pm, 5pm to 11pm
Li Kui-ming also advises against returning to work on the seventh day of the new year, which falls on February 23, as this day clashes with the tai sui (太岁), a deity associated with fate and fortune. It’s best to avoid working on this day to prevent bad luck.
The practice of ze ji has been around for more than 2,000 years, becoming widely practiced during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. During those times, people selected auspicious days for various important events including religious ceremonies, exams, weddings, funerals and even building houses.
Chinese astrology, specifically the shen sha (神煞) method, plays a major role in determining the fortune of any given day. The system involves the "Yellow Path" (黄道) and "Black Path" (黑道) spirits, each of which governs specific days. People generally aim to select Yellow Path days for significant activities, avoiding Black Path days, which are considered less favorable.
When a day is governed by an auspicious spirit, it’s referred to as huang dao ji ri (黄道吉日) in Mandarin. Such days are traditionally considered ideal for starting new ventures or activities. February 25, March 3, and March 5 are all considered huang dao ji ri, making them excellent choices for returning to work.
However, not all zodiac signs will benefit equally on these dates. For instance, February 25 is not fortunate for those born in the Year of the Rat (鼠), March 3 is not favorable for those born in the Year of the Horse (马), and March 5 should be avoided by individuals born in the Year of the Monkey (猴). It’s essential to choose a day that aligns with your Chinese zodiac sign to ensure the best outcome.
In many Chinese companies, the first working day after the Lunar New Year is marked by a special worship ceremony to attract prosperity. This often includes offerings like five fa gao (发糕) cakes, symbolizing wealth, four bowls of tangyuan (汤圆) – sweet glutinous rice dumplings representing reunion, three types of auspicious fruits, three cups of tea or wine, and a pair of candles. These rituals are intended to foster good fortune for the company and its employees in the coming year.
On this day, employers often prepare red envelopes filled with money, known as lai see (利是) in Cantonese or hong bao (红包), to give to their employees. This gesture is meant to spread prosperity and good luck for the new working year. Whether in the form of traditional ceremonies or modern office practices, the focus is on beginning the year with the right intentions to ensure success and fortune in both personal and professional endeavors.
As we embrace the practices of selecting auspicious days for important events, it’s clear that the tradition of ze ji continues to hold great significance in Chinese culture. The careful alignment of dates with one’s zodiac and feng shui principles shows how deeply rooted these customs are in ensuring success and prosperity. While modern work schedules may not allow for long breaks, choosing the right time to return to work remains a meaningful part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Though the dates and times suggested by feng shui experts may seem superstitious to some, they offer more than just luck - they represent a deeper connection to cultural traditions and the natural flow of energy. By following these practices, individuals believe they are enhancing their chances for a smooth, successful year ahead. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always just about hard work but also about aligning oneself with the right energies.
The Year of the Fire Horse may bring both challenges and opportunities, but by choosing the right time to return to work, we can set a positive tone for the months ahead. Whether it's with the help of feng shui, ze ji, or simply honoring these time-honored customs, the ritual of selecting auspicious days is a powerful way to influence our future. In a rapidly changing world, these traditions remind us to take a step back, reflect, and make thoughtful decisions that benefit our well-being and prosperity.
Ultimately, by combining the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern work practices, we can create a harmonious balance between the two. As you consider your own return to work, take a moment to reflect on these traditions and choose a day that resonates with your personal and professional goals. With the right timing, a prosperous and fulfilling year may be just within reach.
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