Wilted Flowers on the Altar
It’s important to remove flowers from the altar promptly after they start to wilt. Some families like to keep the flowers on the altar even after they’re done burning incense, but this can lead to neglect, especially if the altar is on a different floor. Leaving wilted flowers and stagnant water on the altar is not only aesthetically unpleasant but also disrespectful and unhygienic. If you’re forgetful or short on time, it’s best to remove the flowers as soon as you’re done with the ceremony.
Empty Flower Vases
From a Feng Shui perspective, empty flower vases should be turned upside down and stored away when not in use. On non-ceremonial days, if there are no flowers in the vase, it’s best to put it away in a cabinet designated for worship items, instead of leaving it empty on the altar. The same goes for offering plates; when they’re not holding offerings, they should be put away.
Overgrown, Thorny, and Leafy Flowers
In Feng Shui, thorny flowers are considered harmful to the altar as they create negative energy and can harm the souls of your ancestors. Overgrown, thorny flowers, and those with excessive leaves, can also block and cast a shadow over the altar. It’s important to prune the flowers and leaves, especially the dirty, diseased, or wilted ones. Fertilized flowers may have traces of fertilizer on their leaves, so it’s crucial to clean them before placing them on the altar. Remember to remove any thorns as well.
Artificial and Dried Flowers
Using artificial or dried flowers for worship is considered a major taboo. These flowers lack the vitality and respectfulness of fresh flowers. Moreover, they collect dust and bacteria, which is unhygienic for a sacred space. If you’re hesitant to arrange fresh flowers regularly, consider purchasing small, pre-arranged flower baskets specifically for incense burning, rather than investing in large quantities of fresh flowers.
Inappropriately Decorated Flower Vases
Flower vases with ornate decorations, meant for the living room or other spaces, are not suitable for the altar. The altar should have vases with decorations that align with the spiritual culture, such as lotus flower or phoenix patterns, and avoid romantic or suggestive designs, as these can be disrespectful. When purchasing flower vases for worship, it’s best to opt for those that come as part of a worship set, rather than decorative vases meant for other purposes.
In the spiritual culture, flowers play a significant role in ceremonies, but if the above taboos are committed, the act of offering flowers loses its meaning and may even carry negative connotations. Therefore, it’s essential to be mindful when preparing flowers for the altar.
Reference information for spiritual contemplation