When Are Ma and Wei Ma Celebrated?
Ma, also called Ya, is held every second and 16th lunar days of each month. Wei Ma, also called Wei Ya, is the most special because it is the last one before Chinese New Year (wei means last).What Happens During Ma and Wei Ma?
During Ma, businesses set out an offering of food (typically several kinds of fruit and snacks like instant noodles and bottled drinks) on a table in front of the business and pray to the god of prosperity by burning incense and stacks of fake paper money in metal pots.During the last Ma of the year, business owners set out an offering of food and burn incense and money. The offering of food includes three kinds of meat and four kinds of fruit. The company 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. This elimination dinner is no longer done.
