GǍN ĒN · KIMZUA

Door Opening Set Guide

Welcome home

A simple, meaningful first prayer in your new home, with clear steps to guide you.

Congratulations on your new home. Follow the steps at your own pace and adapt them to your family’s customs.

What to prepare · 12-step guide · What’s in your set

Download the illustrated guide (PDF)

Your 12-step guide

01 · Arrive at your chosen time

Gather at the entrance with your prepared items. If your family follows a selected auspicious time, follow the timing you agreed on.

02 · Knock three times before entering

Open the door calmly and begin your first entry into the home.

03 · Roll in the pineapple

From the front door, gently roll the pineapple toward the living area — the main area of the home — like rolling a bowling ball. As you roll it, say an auspicious phrase such as “大吉大利,” “家和万事,” or simply, “Huat ah!”

04 · No empty hands

The head of the household usually enters first. Everyone entering should carry something, such as fruit, a red packet or another meaningful item.

05 · Let the home breathe

Open the doors and windows to let fresh air circulate.

06 · Switch on the home

Turn on the lights and run the taps briefly to activate the home. If it is safe, switch on the stove for a short while as a symbol of warmth and nourishment.

07 · Scatter the Home Blessing Mix

Starting at the main entrance, walk through each room and lightly scatter a small pinch of the mix. Sweep it up after the prayer or just before leaving.

08 · Set up the offering area

Place the prosperity cake, tea leaves and biscuits on the red plate in a stable, well-ventilated area, usually the living room. Position the incense and candles securely. Keep the prayer area clear of curtains, paper packaging and other flammable items. Stay nearby until every flame is fully extinguished.

09 · Offer your prayer

Light the incense and candles. Present the Earth Deity, ancestor and benefactor paper offerings according to your family’s practice. Give thanks and share your wishes for the home. Keep the paper for burning in Step 12.

10 · Place the red packets and charm

Place one $1 red packet in each main room or living area, excluding toilets. Display the pineapple charm near the main entrance or on the inside of the door facing outward.

11 · Let the home settle

Pack the remaining items and sweep up the Blessing Mix. The offering area may remain undisturbed for a few days if that follows your family custom — but never leave anything burning unattended.

12 · Burn the paper offerings safely

Take the joss paper to your block’s designated burner or bin. Burn the offerings safely, make sure the fire is fully out, and your new home prayer is complete.

A simple auspicious phrase: “进门大吉，大吉大利，步步高升”，“身体健康，阖家欢乐！”

What’s inside your set

Prayer & offerings

• Incense sticks for offering your prayers.
• A pair of red prayer candles.
• Biscuits and tea leaves: a small offering for the Earth Deity / house guardian.
• Red offering plate: a base for the prosperity cake, candles and incense.
• Earth Deity joss paper set: gold and silver paper for the Earth Deity offering.
• Ancestor joss paper: to let your ancestors know about the move.
• Benefactor joss paper: a prayer for helpful people and support during renovation.

Blessing & prosperity

• Home Blessing Scatter Mix: rice, salt, tea leaves and green beans.
• 8 empty red packets: add one $1 coin to each.
• Prosperity pineapple charm.
• Your illustrated step-by-step guide.

A blessing for your new beginning

“A home is where love grows, memories are made, and prosperity begins. May these 12 simple steps fill your forever home with peace, love and joy.”

Every family does this a little differently. Customs vary by dialect group, religion and household tradition. This guide offers a simple and respectful starting point. If your family has its own practice, follow what feels right for you.

Thank you for letting us be part of this important milestone.

Pray with confidence · Gǎn Ēn