Resident evil

The fifth lunar month, referred to as Lunar May by some fung shui masters, this year runs from Saturday to June 26. In ancient China, it was considered the 'evil month' because its hot and humid weather suits insects, parasites and bacteria; it is a month of infestations and pestilence. Not to be confused with the Hungry Ghosts' Festival of the seventh lunar month, the evil month was believed to be ruled by the five gods of plague. Several techniques were employed to curb the malicious gods. These included burning realgar, a reddish mineral that produces yellow smoke and an offensive odour that is thought to exterminate insects. Cakes in the shape of the five poisonous creatures (scorpion, centipede, lizard, snake and spider) were sold and consumed in the belief symbolic poison served as an antidote to actual venom. Images of demon slayer Zhong Kui and yellow paper inscribed with scriptures were also posted inside and outside houses as protection.

The fifth month is considered to be an inauspicious time to carry out important activities such as moving house, getting married or starting a new enterprise. Yet, the month needn't be a total wash-out; experienced fung shui masters will tailor the timing of important events to an individual's birth data and the orientation and layout of their property.