When preparing an offering, it is customary to include a vase of flowers. Flowers symbolize purity and a pleasant aroma, representing the host’s sincerity towards their ancestors and deities. Beautiful flowers create a fresh and warm atmosphere, and their fragrance purifies the worship space.
However, many people make mistakes when offering flowers as a tribute;
Offerings of thorny flowers
It is imperative to avoid sharp thorns in the vase of flowers used for offerings. Thorns or sharp objects generate negative energy in the worship area, disrupting its sanctity. Therefore, when purchasing flowers with thorns, such as roses or lotuses, it is essential to remove the thorns before placing them in the vase for incense burning.
Unclean flower arrangement
While flowers symbolize purity and a pleasant aroma, the cultivation process may involve the use of excessive fertilizer. Harvesting can also result in flowers becoming soiled with mud, lime powder, or fertilizer. Therefore, when arranging flowers, it is necessary to trim the leaves, clean them, and possibly remove some outer petals to ensure the flowers’ cleanliness. In worship, dirty objects on the altar are considered taboo.
Leaving dried, wilted, or water-rotted flowers on the altar
After incense burning, pay attention to the timing and remove the flowers promptly. Absolutely avoid leaving dried or wilted flowers in the vase, or flowers that have rotted in water, on the altar. These mistakes create a dirty altar and disrupt the energy field of the worship space, making it highly taboo.
Leaving an empty vase on the altar
Once the flowers are removed and incense burning is no longer taking place, the vase should also be taken down. In feng shui, it is considered inauspicious to leave an empty vase on the altar. Instead, turn the vase upside down and store it in the cabinet with other worship items, ensuring it remains dust-free. Do not leave an empty vase on the altar.
Using artificial, dried, or plastic flowers
Offerings of flowers are meant to be presented to ancestors and deities, not for decoration, so fresh, real flowers are a must. Therefore, in feng shui, it is absolutely taboo to use dried, artificial, or plastic flowers for incense burning.
Taboo flower types
There are certain taboos regarding the types of flowers used in worship, and it is essential to distinguish between personal flower preferences and ceremonial offerings. Not all beautiful or favored flowers are suitable for offerings:
– Avoid using multi-colored, wild, or disorderly arranged flowers as offerings, as they may lack the required solemnity.
– Refrain from using decorative vases for worship flowers. Instead, opt for a dedicated vase specifically for worship flowers.
– Avoid flowers with inappropriate or inauspicious names or meanings, such as bougainvillea, magnolia, or orchid.
– Do not use white flowers like white roses or white chrysanthemums for incense burning, unless offering them to the recently deceased.
– When placing the vase of flowers on the altar, position it to the left of the incense burner (facing outwards from the altar). If using two vases, place them symmetrically on both sides.
Reference information for divination
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