As Chinese New Year nears, companies are getting ready by spring cleaning and encouraging employees to clean up their work spaces to usher in prosperity in the New Year. They are also hosting Wei Ma (also called Wei Ya) this week, particularly on Wed.
While Ma (or Ya) is held every second and 16th lunar days of each month, this week's is special because it is the last one before Chinese New Year; hence, the name Wei Ma (wei means last). During Ma, businesses set out an offering of food (typically several kinds of fruit and snacks) on a table in front of the business and pray to the god of prosperity by burning incense and burning stacks of fake paper money in metal pots.
During the last Ma of the year, business owners may also throw a party for the employees to thank them, similar to how companies in the West host holiday parties. Some parties feature food, drink, and even entertainment. Prizes like gift certificates are often given away.
Traditionally, chicken was served at Wei Ma. Employees being thanked for a job well done were given chicken legs. Those who did poorly would receive chicken heads, which signified they were fired. Luckily, this elimination dinner is no longer done.
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