Flowers are an essential offering when preparing for a ceremony. It is customary to place flower stems in a vase on the altar, but is it acceptable to offer a potted plant to ensure the flowers stay fresh for longer?
There are three common altars: the ancestral altar, the Buddha altar, and the altar for the God of Wealth. The ancestral and Buddha altars are usually placed high up, either mounted on a wall or placed on a tall cabinet. In contrast, the altar for the God of Wealth is typically positioned low, almost at floor level.
It is uncommon to see potted plants on the altars of Buddha and ancestors, but placing potted plants or trees on the altar of the God of Wealth is a familiar sight.
The ancestral altar, being close to the ground, can accommodate potted plants or flowers
Offering flowers demonstrates sincerity and a plea for good fortune. Flowers symbolize beauty and freshness. However, when offering flowers, one must ensure they do not dirty the altar, choose flowers with positive meanings, and avoid wilted flowers or dirty water. Therefore, it is not advisable to place potted plants on the altars of Buddha or ancestors as they may contain soil and fertilizers, which can disrupt the altar’s energy field and are not aesthetically pleasing. Stems of flowers are cleaner than potted plants. Moreover, since the ancestral and Buddha altars are usually positioned high, placing heavy potted plants on them can cause instability and potential breakage. To enhance the beauty of the ancestral and Buddha altars while maintaining cleanliness, one can place potted plants or flowers on a stand next to the altar.
However, the altar of the God of Wealth is placed at floor level, so it is perfectly fine to place potted plants or flowers directly next to it. This not only serves a decorative purpose but also creates a more attractive space for worshipping the God of Wealth. Potted plants placed in this area are also more stable and easier to care for. Many types of potted plants placed near the God of Wealth are believed to attract good fortune, such as the Phú Quý plant, the Phát Tài and Phát Lộc plants, and the Hồng Môn plant. Certain potted aquatic plants placed in this area are also thought to attract wealth, as they symbolize the gathering of water in feng shui.
Potted plants placed near the altar must be well-maintained and not allowed to wither
Arranging potted plants in the worship area
When placing potted plants or flowers near the ancestral or Buddha altars, it is best to use a stand that is lower than the altar itself. Only vases or bowls with aquatic plants should be placed on the altar, and the water should be changed regularly to keep them clean.
In the case of the altar for the God of Wealth, you can place potted plants with symbolic meanings in feng shui, but be careful not to choose oversized pots that obscure the altar. Also, avoid letting the plants grow too densely around the altar.
When placing potted flowers or plants in the worship area, it is crucial to maintain them meticulously. Avoid using fertilizers with strong odors and take care not to overwater the plants, as this can attract mosquitoes and flies. Regular pruning and trimming are necessary to prevent the plants from becoming overgrown and untidy.
This information is for reference only and is based on traditional beliefs.
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