SINGAPORE, Feb 4 — This isn’t a queue for the latest smartphone — many ethnic Chinese in Singapore are lining up to deposit cash into their bank accounts on the traditional first day of spring.

Not only that, they have to put in cash amounts that contain their lucky numbers, and do so at an auspicious time.

Clara lined up for more than 20 minutes, considered a long waiting time.

File picture of Singaporeans using Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) automated teller machines (ATMs) at a branch office in Singapore February 15, 2014. — Reuters pic

She says her lucky number is 7 this year — that’s why she’s putting in S$700 (about RM2,000) into her bank account.

It’s unclear when this practice started.

But charts instructing people on their lucky numbers and the best time to deposit money, have been circulating around the city state.

While many Singaporeans believe it’s rooted in fengshui, experts in the field, like consultant Helen Ong, say it’s a myth.

Other than putting money back into the bank, many Singaporean Chinese like to celebrate Lunar New Year by spending it with family and eating lots of traditional goodies. — Reuters