Do not cut down sacred trees in temples and shrines
The ancient trees in religious sites such as temples and shrines are considered sacred and are believed to house deities and spirits. Cutting them down without proper ritual can invite misfortune and illness. Thus, it is advisable to perform a ceremony seeking permission from the divine beings before relocating these trees only if necessary. Many believe that those who participate in the indiscriminate felling of these trees may face adverse consequences, including health issues, bad luck, and financial difficulties.
Roadside Ancestral Trees
Along roadsides, you may come across large trees with small shrines and incense burners. These trees are believed to be the dwelling places of wandering souls, including those who met with accidents or sudden deaths. Cutting down these trees is considered an act of desecration, inviting the wrath of the spirits. Many who have participated in such acts are said to have faced prolonged illness and misfortune. In some cases, road construction projects have altered their routes to avoid cutting down these sacred trees.
Family Heirloom Trees
Ancestral trees, such as loc vuong, van tuoi, and tuong vi, are highly valued in traditional culture as they symbolize the spiritual connection between generations. Cutting down these heirloom trees can disrupt the existing favorable feng shui and bring bad luck. The presence of long-standing trees in a family compound indicates harmony with the surrounding energy, so it is considered disrespectful and unwise to remove them.
The Spiritual Significance of the Du Tree
The Du tree is believed to possess a soul, especially the ancient ones. In the past, people often buried their deceased loved ones under Du trees, earning the tree its association with the supernatural. However, having a Du tree at the back of your house is considered auspicious as it drives away evil spirits and bad luck. In Chinese characters, the word “du” resembles the word “du,” meaning surplus or abundance. Thus, the Du tree is also associated with wealth and good fortune. Given their longevity and cultural significance, ancient Du trees are considered treasures, and cutting them down is believed to bring financial losses and misfortune.
The Auspicious Crabapple Tree
The Crabapple tree holds a special place in feng shui, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The abundance of fruit on a mature Crabapple tree resembles a thousand bars of gold. According to ancient beliefs, the Crabapple tree attracts good fortune, wishing the family prosperity, a full house of descendants, smooth sailing, and abundant wealth. Cutting down this tree is akin to severing one’s source of blessings.
This information is for reference only and is subject to individual beliefs and interpretations.
The Ancestral Teaching: “Don’t Chop Down These 3 Trees, Even in Poverty; Your Descendants Will Be Protected”
The ancient wisdom of refraining from cutting down three specific trees holds a profound message for future generations. This timeless advice encourages us to preserve nature’s blessings and maintain a harmonious balance with our environment. By heeding this guidance, we not only ensure a prosperous future but also cultivate a deeper respect for the natural world that sustains us.