The Bougainvillea, or hoa giấy as it’s known in Vietnam, is a vibrant and beloved flower that graces many homes with its beauty and symbolism. This flower has a special place in Vietnamese culture and is known for its vibrant colors and lush growth.
About Bougainvillea
Native to Brazil, Bougainvillea is a versatile plant that can transform any space into a vibrant, colorful paradise. It can be trained to grow on arbors, creating stunning entrances, or cultivated in pots with unique shapes. Bougainvillea thrives in tropical climates and can bloom all year round. Despite its sturdy stem, it is a vine with sharp thorns and small leaves. Given the right conditions, it can grow to impressive lengths of up to 50 feet.
Bougainvillea grows rapidly, with its vines extending and branching out, covered in thorns. Its leaves maintain a deep green color year-round and are oval-shaped with a slightly pointed tip and a rounded, curved base. They grow in an alternating pattern along the vine.
The vibrant blooms of Bougainvillea appear in clusters at the end of branches, creating a lush display. While these flowers come in a variety of colors, they are actually composed of bracts, with three bracts surrounding a white or slightly yellow tube inside.
The Symbolism and Significance of Bougainvillea in Vietnamese Culture
In Vietnamese culture, Bougainvillea holds significant symbolic value. As a climbing plant with numerous branches, it represents abundance, protection, and complete happiness in Feng Shui. The vibrant colors of its flowers are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth to families.
Additionally, in folk beliefs, Bougainvillea is thought to ward off evil spirits and prevent bad omens. It is considered a bringer of peace and happiness, driving away negative energies. The plant is also associated with wealth and prosperity, making it a popular choice for homeowners to plant in front of their houses.
Who Should Grow Bougainvillea According to Vietnamese Beliefs?
According to Vietnamese beliefs, Bougainvillea is particularly auspicious for individuals born in the Chinese Zodiac years of the Dragon and Snake, as well as those with an Earth element in their birth chart. For these individuals, planting Bougainvillea in front of their homes is believed to attract good fortune, wealth, and a life of prosperity and honor. When choosing Bougainvillea, it is considered auspicious to select a color that aligns with one’s age and destiny, avoiding colors that may conflict with one’s birth element.
From a scientific perspective, planting Bougainvillea has additional benefits. It helps beautify the environment and effectively filters out dust, contributing to cleaner and cooler air around the home. Furthermore, Bougainvillea has medicinal properties, as its leaves possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.
If you are of a compatible age or element, consider welcoming Bougainvillea into your home and embracing the beauty and blessings it brings.
The Ancient Adage: ‘Why Avoid Three People When Visiting a Grave and Not Stay Past Hour of the Scent?’
“The phrase ‘tảo mộ không quá ba đời’ translates to ‘tomb sweeping is usually done within three generations’. This cultural practice typically involves the second generation, such as children paying respects to their parents, and the third generation, such as grandchildren doing the same for their grandparents.”