Lighting in the prayer room is of utmost importance. Adequate lighting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also brings good fortune and prosperity to the household. Have you ever wondered if your prayer room should be bright or dimly lit? Listen to what the experts have to say to attract luck and wealth into your home.
Should the prayer room be brightly lit or kept dim?
The prayer room is a spiritual space that connects the living with their ancestors’ souls and deities. As souls, they are sensitive to intense light and cannot withstand it. Furthermore, according to feng shui principles, a prayer room is a place where yin energy prevails, and strong light contradicts this natural law.
Bright lights can disperse the energy in the prayer room, disturbing the peace of the ancestral spirits. This can lead to the dissipation of souls, resulting in misfortune for the family. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain moderate lighting in the prayer room and use red light bulbs, avoiding direct sunlight and wind from outdoors.
Use moderate lighting and red light bulbs in the prayer room, avoiding direct sunlight and wind.
How to rectify excessive lighting in the prayer room
If the lighting in your prayer room needs adjustment, consider the following tips:
– If your altar is near the main door, use a screen to reduce noise and light. For altars near windows, draw the curtains to control the amount of light entering the room.
– When installing lights, opt for warm yellow lights instead of bright, dazzling chandeliers or high-wattage bulbs.
– Ensure that the lights above the altar do not shine directly into the eyes of those offering prayers or towards the incense burner.
– If your altar is in the living room, avoid placing it directly under large chandeliers or bright lights. Alternatively, use a prayer cabinet to create a more private and secluded space.
Taboos in the prayer room
The Vietnamese strongly believe in the saying, “There is worship, there is sacredness; there is taboo, there is peace.” Here are some taboos to avoid in the prayer room to prevent misfortune:
– Placing a mirror facing the altar.
– Locating the altar next to the kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.
– Positioning the altar to face the kitchen, bathroom, or toilet door.
– Setting up the altar under the stairs.
– Arranging the altar in the opposite direction of the house’s facing.
Follow the taboos to maintain peace and harmony in your prayer room.
– Placing the altar near the entrance or exit.
– Setting up the altar in the bedroom.
– Allowing direct sunlight and wind to shine on the altar.
– Orienting the altar towards the direction of the Five Ghosts.
Trends in prayer room design
+ Modern prayer room design
Modern prayer rooms feature a contemporary style with elegant and subtle color schemes. These colors are neither too bright nor too dark, creating a sophisticated and classy atmosphere.
Modern prayer room interiors also tend to be minimalistic, avoiding overly intricate details. Common furnishings include an altar, paintings, statues, and potted plants.
+ Classic prayer room design
Classic prayer rooms exude a timeless and elegant charm, making them a popular choice. This style appeals particularly to older individuals who appreciate the blend of cultural traditions and solemnity.
+ Neo-classic prayer room design
Neo-classic design combines modern and traditional elements, offering a harmonious blend of styles. Wooden furniture with red lacquer and gold leaf decorations are typical, along with altar accessories that match the homeowner’s element, and decorative paintings.
+ Small prayer room design and combination with living room
For apartments with limited space, integrating the prayer area into the living room is a practical solution. There are three common ways to do this: using a hanging altar, placing a prayer cabinet, or creating a separate space with a partition.
