This year, Lunar New Year's Day falls on Thursday, February 3. The first and second day of the Year of the Rabbit are public holidays, with most businesses in the region closed to mark the occasion. So when should work resume?
It is believed that if work starts on an auspicious day, it will augur well for the rest of the year. According to the Tong Seng, or Chinese Almanac, auspicious days for returning to work are Saturday, February 5, and Tuesday, February 8.
The first of those dates falls on a weekend, which may be difficult for anyone who is travelling or has holiday plans with family or friends. The second date is also problematic, as most employers expect their staff to be back at work on a Monday, the fifth day of this new year. According to the almanac, that day is for 'setting up a stove' - or restaurants. So how does one resolve this issue?
The best strategy could be for employees to switch on their computers between the auspicious hours of 9am and 11am on Saturday as a symbolic start to the new year. That should bring forth career opportunities.