The Cassia tree, also known as the Cinnamon flower, is widely cultivated in Vietnam. This tree is not only aesthetically pleasing but also holds significant value in feng shui, making it a popular and economically valuable plant.
Cassia is a small tree with dense, spreading branches. Its leaves are thick, oval-shaped with serrated edges, and a deep green color, featuring prominent veins.
Cassia trees bloom year-round, but their fragrance is most potent during the autumn, when they produce an abundance of flowers with a captivating, sweet scent. The flowers grow in clusters and come in shades of white and light yellow. This tree rarely bears fruit.
Despite its unassuming appearance, the Cassia tree reveals its true value when it blooms, exuding both simplicity and elegance. This dichotomy is captured in the Vietnamese saying, “Sắc trà hương mộc” (“Tea’s color, wood’s fragrance”), which has become an integral part of Vietnamese culture.
According to feng shui, the ideal position for a Cassia tree is in front of a house’s entrance, avoiding blocking the main door or gate. This placement is believed to invite good fortune and prosperity for the homeowners. The yellow and white hues of the flowers are particularly auspicious for those with a Kim (Metal) element in their Chinese zodiac sign.
The gentle fragrance of Cassia flowers helps relax the nerves and promotes restful sleep, benefiting the entire household. Additionally, the tree is believed to purify and energize the surrounding atmosphere, dispelling negative energies.
In folk feng shui, the Cassia tree is an enduring symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
Frequently asked questions
Mơ Hương, or Agarwood in English, is a rare and valuable wood that is believed to possess spiritual and mystical properties in many Asian cultures. It is said to bring good luck, prosperity, and protection to those who possess and burn it properly.
When placing Mơ Hương in your home or office, it is important to consider the direction it faces. The ideal placement is to have it facing the southeast, east, or south direction as these directions are believed to attract wealth and prosperity energy according to Feng Shui principles.
Yes, burning Mơ Hương during auspicious days and times can enhance its effects. Auspicious days include full moon and new moon days, as well as religious and cultural festivals such as Tet Holiday, Buddha’s Birthday, and Mid-Autumn Festival. As for timing, early morning and late evening are considered the best times to burn Mơ Hương to invite positive energy into your space.
There are three main types of Mơ Hương: Trầm Hương, Mùi Hương, and Super A. Trầm Hương is the most valuable and rare type, known for its strong and long-lasting fragrance. Mùi Hương is a less expensive option that still offers a pleasant aroma. Super A is a synthetic form of Agarwood that is affordable and widely available. Each type has its own unique fragrance and properties, so choosing the right one depends on personal preference and intended use.
When purchasing Mơ Hương, it is important to look for a few key indicators of quality and authenticity. Genuine Mơ Hương should have a strong, natural fragrance that is long-lasting. The wood should be dense and heavy for its size, with a high oil content that makes it shiny and smooth to the touch. It is also a good sign if the Mơ Hương has a certificate of authenticity and a guarantee of its natural origin.
According to Feng Shui masters, the seventh month of the lunar calendar is a significant spiritual month for Vietnamese people. It is believed that many taboos must be observed during this time to ward off bad luck and bring good fortune to the family.
In the ancient art of Feng Shui, it is believed that certain plants possess yin and yang energies that can greatly impact the home and grave. A skilled practitioner would advise against bringing yin plants into the home, as these are believed to attract negative energy. Similarly, yang plants are not recommended for gravesites as they are thought to disrupt the peace and tranquility of the deceased. By understanding and respecting these energies, one can create a harmonious balance between the living and the afterlife.
The seventh lunar month is a time when the realms of the living and the dead intersect, and spiritual energy is believed to be at its peak. It is a period when cleansing one’s altar and offerings is deemed essential to purify the space and bring blessings and good fortune to the household.
“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.”