Red alert

Red is considered an auspicious colour in Chinese culture because it represents happiness and good fortune. During the Lunar New Year holiday, gift money is enclosed in red packets, scrolls are written on red paper and many people wear red when visiting family and friends.

Red symbolises fire, which is extremely yang in nature.

It would be unwise to paint the walls and ceilings of your home and bedroom entirely red because this would cause an excess of yang energy, which can result in irritability, headaches and poor sleep. Some fung shui practitioners believe the overuse of red also stimulates the negative earth energy that is present in certain sectors, leading to mishaps and accidents. Painting your kitchen red, for example, could increase the risk of fire. A professional fung shui consultant should assess your property before advising on the amount of red that can be used and where. Unlike in domestic situations, red walls and carpets are recommended for a restaurant because the yang energy stimulates business.

It's also unwise to wear red all the time. Chinese astrologers usually consider a person's time of birth when determining which of the five elements is suitable for them. If fire is inappropriate, a wearer of red could feel drained and agitated if they chose to don no other colour.