On the first day of the lunar month, full moon days, holidays, death anniversaries, and important occasions, a flower vase is always an indispensable item on the altar. Arranging flowers on the altar attracts and accumulates wealth for the family.
Fresh flowers not only possess a vibrant life force but also embody the essence of nature. Placing a flower vase on the altar not only purifies and cools the worship space but also helps the family attract wealth, enhance prosperity, and pray for the blessings of ancestors and deities. However, not everyone knows how to properly place the flower vase on the altar.
Why do wealthy families usually place a flower vase on the left side of the altar?
Wealthy families tend to pay great attention to worship and rituals. The arrangement of the altar must follow Feng Shui principles, as they believe that this shows respect to their ancestors and brings good fortune to the family.
Regarding the placement of the flower vase, if there is only one, they usually place it on the left side of the altar. This stems from the principle of “east vase, west fruit,” meaning the flower vase is placed in the east direction, while the fruit plate is placed in the west.
According to natural laws, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and trees must bloom before bearing fruit. Therefore, placing the flower vase in the east and the fruit plate in the west aligns with this principle, ensuring smooth and favorable outcomes.
Additionally, if the altar faces south, placing the flower vase on the left (east) allows the fragrance of the flowers to spread when the east or southeast wind blows, creating a more serene and solemn worship space.
How to arrange the altar with two flower vases
When placing two flower vases on the altar, they should be symmetrically positioned on both sides, with the fruit plate in the center, right in front of the incense burner. This arrangement not only makes the altar look fuller and cozier but also preserves the spiritual value of the flower vases.
In addition to placing the flower vases, the host should also pay attention to other worship items such as the three (or five) worship items, the offering tray, the incense holder, etc., to create a solemn and warm worship space.
For smaller altars, such as wall-mounted altars, a single flower vase can be placed, with the incense holder directly across from it. Avoid overcrowding the altar with too many flower vases, as this can disrupt the balance with other worship items.
The flower vase on the altar should be made of materials such as ceramic, porcelain, or glass, instead of metal. Flowers for the altar should have a gentle fragrance, be free of thorns, and be neatly trimmed to ensure safety and maintain the spiritual value of the worship space.