The 4 Types of Flowers You Should Never Place on Your Ancestral Altar: Superstitions and Beliefs in Asian Culture

9 July, 2025

Lily Flowers: Beautiful but Prone to Separation

Lily flowers are known for their elegant appearance and strong fragrance. However, some people hesitate to choose this flower for their altar on the first day of the month or during full moon ceremonies. The reason lies in the flower’s name – “ly” in Vietnamese, which sounds similar to “separation” or “dispersal”. While no one can definitely confirm the impact of the name, folk beliefs suggest that the first day of the month should be free from any potential ill omens, and lilies might convey an unfortunate implication.

Moreover, the potent fragrance of lilies can overpower the scent of incense, creating an intense and overwhelming atmosphere in the worship space. This disturbs the solemnity of the altar and affects the house’s energy field. If you admire the beauty of lilies, you can display them in your living room or on a tea table instead of the ancestral altar.

Lilies – Though beautiful, they should be avoided on altars as they may signify separation and loss of luck.

Hibiscus Flowers: Blooming Brightly but Fading Quickly

Hibiscus flowers are delicate and beautiful, with soft colors. However, they have a unique characteristic that lands them on the “black list” for ceremonial offerings: they usually bloom brightly in the morning but quickly wither by evening. This transience symbolizes short-lived beauty, which is considered taboo when praying for long-lasting good fortune and a prosperous future.

On the first day of the month or during full moon ceremonies, people wish for a fresh start and smooth-flowing energy for the new month. Placing a bouquet of hibiscus flowers on the altar inadvertently becomes a prayer for quick decay. Additionally, the fading flowers can cast a somber atmosphere, affecting the family’s mood and positive energy.

Jasmine Flowers: Fragrant but Overpowering

Jasmine flowers are tiny, pure white, and have a pleasant fragrance that many people enjoy. However, when it comes to the altar space, which requires tranquility and gentleness, the strong scent of jasmine can be overwhelming. When mixed with the aroma of incense, the fragrance of jasmine flowers can become cloying and imbalanced.

Furthermore, in folk beliefs, jasmine flowers, with their captivating yet fragile beauty, are sometimes associated with “superficiality”. This notion makes some families cautious about offering jasmine flowers during special occasions such as the first day of the month or full moon ceremonies.

Marigolds: Beautiful Name but Misunderstood

The name “marigold” translates to “eternal life” in Vietnamese, suggesting longevity and good fortune. However, in reality, many people are reluctant to use this flower in worship due to its distinctive unpleasant odor, which is entirely unsuitable for the sacred and pure atmosphere of an altar.

Additionally, in some regions, marigolds are traditionally used in funeral ceremonies, so they are not placed on ancestral altars during festive occasions or the first day of the month. Although this belief is not universal, many families opt for other flower choices to avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Which Flowers Are Suitable for the Altar?

If you’re wondering about the most appropriate and meaningful flowers for full moon or first-day-of-the-month ceremonies, consider the following suggestions:

Lotus flowers: Symbolizing purity and nobility, closely associated with Buddhism and filial piety.
Yellow chrysanthemums (excluding marigolds): Represent longevity and good luck, widely favored during festive seasons.
White lilies, white roses, and light pink roses: These flowers typically have a gentle fragrance and elegant colors, easily creating a solemn and warm atmosphere on the altar.

Lotus flowers and yellow chrysanthemums are ideal choices, bringing tranquility and positive energy to the altar during full moon ceremonies.

Conclusion

Choosing flowers for offerings involves not only aesthetic considerations but also carries the heartfelt wishes and aspirations of family members. Avoiding the four types of flowers mentioned above is a small but significant step in maintaining a pure and vibrant energy field in your worship space. Remember, sometimes even a seemingly minor choice can greatly impact your family’s fortune and luck for the entire month.

Disclaimer: This information is based on traditional beliefs and is for reference only.