How Many Flowers Should You Arrange for Tet? 3, 5, 7, or 9 – Which is the Best? Why is Odd-numbered flowers preferred?

Fragrance and flowers are essential elements on the altar of every Vietnamese family, especially during the Lunar New Year.

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How many flowers should be put on the altar for good luck? Why do people usually put an odd number of flowers? The answers are right in the article below:

1. How many flowers should be put on the altar?

According to spiritual beliefs as well as Yin and Yang philosophy, odd numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are positive numbers, symbolizing humans and bringing good luck to the family. Even numbers like 2, 4, 6, and 8, on the other hand, are negative numbers, symbolizing bad luck and should be avoided.

Therefore, people often choose odd numbers of flowers to place on the altar during Tet to pray for their ancestors and attract good luck and beauty to their family.

However, according to feng shui, the number of flowers in a vase also plays a role in bringing luck and success in business and career development. Specifically:

  • People born in the Year of the Pig, Cat, and Rabbit should put 6 flowers in a vase.
  • People born in the Year of the Snake, Rooster, and Goat should put 9 flowers in a vase.
  • People born in the Year of the Tiger, Monkey, and Dog should put 2 flowers.
  • People born in the Year of the Horse, Rat, and Dragon should use a vase with 7 flowers.

2. Types of flowers to put on the altar during Tet

Peach blossoms and apricot blossoms

These are two types of flowers commonly seen during Tet. They not only have a beautiful appearance and a gentle fragrance but also symbolize wealth, prosperity, and have the ability to ward off evil spirits, bringing luck and vitality to the family, welcoming a peaceful and lucky new year.

Money flowers

Fresh and eye-catching money flowers promise to bring a bright and prosperous life in the new year. The bigger the money flowers, the more wealth you can accumulate. Even if you are lazy, good fortune will come pouring in like a waterfall.

Especially, if there are elderly people in the family, it is advisable to place money flowers on the altar during Tet to pray for health and peace.

Red roses

Red roses symbolize love and bring many blessings and good luck. The color red also symbolizes happiness and good fortune. Roses usually have a light, pleasant fragrance, making them suitable for offering on the altar during Tet.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are flowers that symbolize simplicity and are often used as offering flowers during Tet because of their beautiful and long-lasting colors.

In addition, to decorate the house, people often use pots of golden chrysanthemums to bring more luck in the new year.

Yellow chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are a familiar choice for many families when they want to put flowers on the altar. The element of fortune belongs to the Metal element, and this element is in harmony with the colors yellow, white, and gray. Therefore, yellow chrysanthemums can be chosen to pray for wealth and prosperity.

Pelargoniums

Pelargoniums are flowers that symbolize warmth, harmony, and gratitude towards ancestors. The Vietnamese often offer these flowers on the altar to pray for a year full of wealth and a harmonious family.

3. Notes when putting flowers on the altar

– Do not put too many types of flowers in one vase at once, as it may affect the aesthetics.

– Offer fresh flowers that have just bloomed, not too big, to keep them fresh for longer. Remember to change the water regularly to prevent wilting.

– On special occasions, buy fresh flowers to show sincerity, and avoid choosing fake flowers.

– Choose flowers with a light fragrance, avoiding flowers with a strong scent.

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Can You Burn Incense with a Whole Flower Pot or Do You Need to Cut the Stems and Place Them in a Vase?

“Is it acceptable to offer a potted plant as a religious offering, or should we stick to the traditional practice of selecting a cut flower for a vase?”

Frequently asked questions

For Tet, it is recommended to arrange flowers in odd numbers, specifically 3, 5, 7, or 9 stems. Odd-numbered arrangements are preferred as they are believed to bring good luck and are aesthetically pleasing. These numbers are also considered auspicious in Asian culture and are thought to attract positive energy.

Flowers play a significant role during Tet, symbolizing rebirth, prosperity, and good fortune. They are used to decorate homes and pagodas, bringing a vibrant and festive atmosphere to the celebrations.

Yes, certain flowers are traditionally favored for Tet. These include apricot, peach, and kumquat blossoms, as well as orchids and daisies. These flowers are chosen for their vibrant colors and pleasant fragrances, adding to the festive spirit of the holiday.

To ensure the longevity of your flower arrangements during Tet, it is important to trim the stems at an angle and place them in fresh water regularly. Adding a floral preservative to the water can also help extend their lifespan. Keep the flowers away from direct sunlight and drafts, and remove any wilted blooms to promote longer-lasting beauty.

Absolutely! Mixing different types of flowers in one arrangement is a creative way to celebrate Tet. You can combine traditional Tet flowers, such as apricot and peach blossoms, with other vibrant blooms like roses, lilies, or carnations. Just ensure that the overall arrangement has an odd number of flower stems for good luck.