“Sow Good Fortune in Your Home Garden”

11 September, 2024

The ancient practice of growing a gourd vine in the courtyard held significant importance. The lush vine, with its dangling gourds, was believed to bring prosperity and ward off misfortune. Opening the door, one would be greeted by the vibrant sight of these gourds, resembling a litter of playful piglets.

The gourd, a symbol of abundance, is a common sight in rural households. An old saying goes, “Grow gourds by the door, and fortune and blessings will enter, while misfortune stays far away.” But why is this so?

The gourd, in ancient belief, signifies a prosperous household, attracting wealth and good fortune while keeping evil at bay and prolonging life.

By cultivating, displaying, and utilizing gourds, our ancestors expressed their aspirations for a better life, inspiring hard work and the pursuit of their ideals.

1. Interpreting the Saying

The proverb, “Grow gourds by the door, and fortune and blessings will enter, while misfortune stays far away,” carries a positive message, encouraging greening within the household compound. Here, the gourd is more than just a fruit; it symbolizes growth, prosperity, and all things auspicious.

“Grow gourds by the door”: This refers to planting gourds near the entrance of a house or within the compound close to the gate. In folk belief, planting here creates a pleasant, cool space and makes the surrounding environment more comfortable.
“Fortune and blessings will enter”: This reflects the belief that the presence of gourds will bring good luck, wealth, and positive outcomes for the family. In traditional culture, trees and plants offer not just material benefits but also hold feng shui significance, creating a favorable environment for the family’s growth and development.
“Misfortune stays far away”: This part of the proverb encourages faith in nature’s power to ward off bad luck. Greenery is thought to generate positive energy, keeping the family safe from misfortune and unhappiness.

2. Why Gourds?

Gourds are easy to cultivate, fast-growing, and highly beneficial. In folk culture, they symbolize growth and prosperity, going beyond mere sustenance. Adaptable to various soil types and requiring minimal care, gourds are a popular choice for household gardening.

3. Feng Shui Significance

In feng shui, planting greenery near the door or around the house creates a harmonious living environment while attracting positive energy. The gourd, with its rapid growth and vigorous vitality, purifies the surroundings and invites auspicious energy into the home.

In Sino-Vietnamese, the word for gourd sounds similar to “fortune and blessings,” leading ancients to believe that growing or hanging gourds attracts wealth and honor.

4. Modern-Day Relevance

Today, greening our homes goes beyond feng shui benefits. It contributes to environmental protection. Small gardens or potted plants reduce air pollution, provide shade, and foster a connection with nature.

(This article is for reference only and is not intended to provide definitive guidance.)

Frequently asked questions

A home garden can bring good fortune and prosperity to your household. By planting certain plants and arranging your garden in a specific way, you can attract positive energy and improve your overall luck.

There are several tips provided in the article. Firstly, pay attention to the direction your garden faces and plant accordingly. For example, plant tall, vibrant flowers in the south to attract fame and recognition. Secondly, utilize the power of colors. Each color has a specific meaning and impact on your luck – red for good fortune, green for harmony, etc. Also, consider planting lucky plants like bamboo for prosperity and peace lilies for purity and calm.

Balance is key. Ensure your garden has a harmonious mix of elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. You can represent these elements through the types of plants, garden features, and decorations you choose. For example, a small fountain represents water, wind chimes represent metal, and so on.

Yes, several plants are mentioned in the article as lucky charms. These include money plants, which attract wealth and abundance; lucky bamboo, which brings prosperity and good health; and four-leaf clovers, symbolizing faith, hope, love, and luck.

Absolutely. The placement of plants is crucial to attracting positive energy. Arrange your plants in a way that promotes good chi flow. Avoid blocking pathways and ensure there is a clear, open flow of energy throughout the garden. Additionally, consider the bagua, or energy map, of your garden to determine the best placement of plants for specific intentions.