Jackfruit Tree – A Symbol of Family Unity and Prosperity
The jackfruit tree is not just a familiar sight in many home gardens, but it also carries deep cultural significance. Jackfruit trees are often planted in the corner of the yard or along the garden perimeter, providing shade and delicious fruit. However, what sets this tree apart is its special meaning in feng shui.
In traditional beliefs, jackfruit is a symbol of fulfillment and prosperity. A bountiful tree signifies a harmonious family life. The jackfruit’s clustered growth, from the base to the trunk, represents enduring blessings and family reunion. Thus, many families cherish their aged jackfruit trees, tending to them even when they shed their leaves or bark, rather than cutting them down.
Mango Tree – Emblem of Wealth and Prosperity
The mango tree is not just a popular fruit-bearing species, but it also represents prosperity and wisdom. Its sturdy stature, broad canopy, and year-round green foliage add lushness and coolness to the garden. Notably, mango trees are long-lived and bear sweeter and more abundant fruit as they age.
According to folk beliefs, a home with a large mango tree is blessed with good fortune. Blooming mango flowers at the beginning of spring signify a year of abundance and ease. Thus, the mango tree is not just cultivated for its fruit but also revered as a living symbol of wealth. When a tree dies or is cut down, it is believed that luck may also be disturbed.
Areca Palm – Emblem of Nobility and Positive Energy
The Areca palm is an integral part of Vietnamese poetry, traditional architecture, and way of life. Its slender and towering presence symbolizes integrity and a calm demeanor. Growing areca palms in the garden not only adds a touch of elegance but also helps regulate energy flow, creating a refreshing and bright ambiance.
With their ability to grow vertically without occupying much lateral space, areca palms are often planted along pathways, by the porch, or in garden corners. Their evenly spreading and evergreen fronds not only enhance the beauty of the landscape but also maintain a sense of freshness and harmony in the premises.
People refrain from cutting down areca palms, believing that doing so would disrupt the positive energy flowing through the garden. Moreover, these trees are associated with significant life events, from weddings and New Year celebrations to ancestral worship. A mature areca palm in the garden thus embodies a family’s shared memories.
Pomelo Tree – Sweet Blessings in the Garden, Symbol of Abundance
Unlike many other fruit-bearing trees, the pomelo is regarded as the “queen” of the home garden due to its round and plump shape, subtle fragrance, and timely fruiting during the Tet holiday season. Pomelos are not just delicious but also carry a special significance, conveying a wish for “just enough to spend” and symbolizing prosperity and abundance throughout the year.
In folk feng shui, pomelo trees are believed to attract financial energy. The large, juicy fruits symbolize wealth and prosperity. A long-lived tree that bears fruit regularly signifies the stability of a family’s good fortune. Many families grow pomelos not only for consumption but also for offering to their ancestors, thus connecting generations.
Pomelo trees thrive in open spaces with well-drained, sandy soil and ample sunlight. When the tree blooms towards the end of the year, it is considered a sign of good luck, foretelling a bountiful harvest for the entire family.
Why Chopping Down These Trees Is Not Advisable
The four types of trees mentioned above are large, long-lived species that have often been part of gardens and homes for generations. Besides providing delicious fruit and shade, they play a crucial role in the ecological and feng shui system, attracting and retaining positive energy and blessings.
Cutting down an old tree, whether for landscaping or construction purposes, should be carefully considered. In traditional beliefs, a tree that has taken root in one’s property is connected to the “lifeline” of the homeowner. Uprooting it carelessly can disrupt the feng shui balance of yin and yang, impacting the family’s fortune and tranquility.
If tree removal is unavoidable, the ancients would perform a small ritual, asking for permission from the spirits and planting a replacement tree to compensate for the lost energy.
Conclusion
A garden is not just a living space but also a place that nurtures prosperity and preserves positive energy for the family. Long-lived trees like jackfruit, mango, areca palm, and pomelo possess not only nutritional and aesthetic value but also hold profound feng shui meanings. Planting trees is akin to sowing blessings, and preserving them is akin to safeguarding the fortune of future generations.
Information provided is for reference and contemplation only.
