Home Explore The Ancient Adage: “The Five Trees of Woe: Bringing Misfortune to Your...

Explore

The Ancient Adage: “The Five Trees of Woe: Bringing Misfortune to Your Doorstep”

10 September, 2024

In traditional culture, mulberry trees are considered unlucky and are often avoided in front-yard plantings. The tree’s name in Chinese, “sang,” sounds similar to the word for “funeral,” leading to its association with bad luck. It is believed that planting certain trees in front of your house can negatively impact your family’s wealth and health.

The saying, “If you don’t plant shade trees, your wealth will disperse,” emphasizes the importance of choosing the right type of tree. While some trees are associated with good luck and cultural significance, there are five types that are considered unlucky or inauspicious and are generally avoided in front-yard plantings.

Mulberry Tree

As mentioned earlier, the mulberry tree is often avoided in front-yard plantings due to its association with funerals and bad luck. The belief is that planting certain trees in front of your house can have a negative impact on your family’s fortune and well-being.

Weeping Willow

According to feng shui principles, weeping willows are believed to carry negative energy and attract evil spirits. Their drooping branches and leaves create a somber and weak atmosphere, which is not conducive to creativity and a positive family environment. For this reason, they are usually not chosen for residential landscaping.

Chinese Pistache

While the Chinese pistache is a robust and vibrant tree, its tall stature and dense foliage can block light and air circulation in your home. Additionally, it may attract insects and cause inconveniences in daily life, making it unsuitable for front-yard plantings.

Cedar Tree

Although the cedar tree remains evergreen throughout the year, its solemn appearance can bring a sense of seriousness and formality. Cedars are also often associated with funeral ceremonies in traditional culture, making them a rare choice for front-yard plantings.

Pear Tree

Pear trees are a common fruit-bearing species, often cultivated in orchards or on farmland. However, despite the popularity of the fruit, the name “pear” is considered unlucky due to its homophonic relation to the word “separate.” For this reason, pear trees are usually not planted in home gardens, and when eating pears, people often avoid doing so alone.

Frequently asked questions

The adage is a Chinese belief that five specific types of trees can bring misfortune and bad luck to those who cut them down, transport them, or use them. It serves as a warning against harming these trees, as each is associated with a different type of negative consequence.

The five trees are the Willow, Elm, Eucalyptus, Poplar, and Cypress. The Willow represents sorrow and grief, the Elm signifies illness and poor health, the Eucalyptus symbolizes family separation and distance, the Poplar represents restlessness and instability, while the Cypress is associated with death and mourning.

According to the legend, each tree is connected to a particular type of suffering or ‘woe’. Cutting them down or using their wood is seen as an invitation for that specific woe to enter one’s life. It is a reminder that nature should be respected and not disturbed, especially these five trees with their symbolic meanings.

The adage suggests that one should leave these trees undisturbed and treat them with respect. While it may be unavoidable to come across them in daily life, the belief encourages people to at least be mindful of their presence and refrain from causing them harm intentionally.

While the adage itself does not specify any particular rituals, some cultural beliefs suggest offering prayers or small sacrifices to the trees as a sign of respect. In some cases, people may also choose to plant these trees in specific arrangements or locations to bring balance and ward off potential misfortune.