The chrysanthemum, with its golden petals, has long been an integral part of Vietnamese cultural and spiritual life. This flower is commonly found on ancestral altars during full moon and new moon days, festivals, death anniversaries, and other special occasions. While other flowers like jasmine, magnolia, and lilies are considered taboo for offerings, chrysanthemums are favored by ancestors and are often used for incense and rituals. But why is this so?
1. Chrysanthemum: A Symbol of Longevity and Nobility
Chrysanthemums are one of the “Four Gentlemen” in East Asian culture, along with pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms. Representing autumn, chrysanthemums exude elegance, purity, peace, and longevity. Ancestors believed that these flowers could prolong life, ward off negative energies, and bring inner peace.
In Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, chrysanthemums are associated with the image of a noble man, one who lives with integrity, unconcerned with fame and fortune, and maintains his principles in all circumstances. Therefore, offering yellow chrysanthemums on ancestral altars is not only a sign of reverence but also a way to wish for longevity, virtue, and nobility – values that ancestors held dear.
2. The Color Yellow: A Symbol of Sacredness and Prosperity
In the Eastern belief system, yellow is the color of royalty, power, and nobility. When used in a worship space, yellow chrysanthemums convey solemnity and sanctity, making them suitable offerings to ancestors and deities.
Additionally, yellow represents prosperity, luck, and fortune. Many families believe that burning incense with yellow chrysanthemums not only commemorates their ancestors but also attracts positive energy and blessings while warding off ill fortune.
3. Long-lasting Freshness: A Symbol of Resilience
One practical reason why ancestors favored yellow chrysanthemums is their longevity. These flowers stay fresh for an extended period, unlike many other flowers that wilt quickly. This characteristic symbolizes resilience, endurance, and strength – qualities that ancestors wanted to instill in their descendants’ spiritual lives.
4. Feng Shui Significance of Yellow Chrysanthemums in Worship
According to feng shui principles, yellow chrysanthemums belong to the Metal element, possess yang energy, and represent light, growth, and wealth. When placed on an altar, they balance yin and yang energies, dispel negative forces, and bring peace and harmony to the family.
Moreover, chrysanthemums are believed to possess spiritual energy that connects the mortal world with the divine. Using them during rituals allows descendants to express their respect and desire for blessings from the ancestors and deities.
5. A Cultural Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
The practice of burning incense with yellow chrysanthemums stems not only from spiritual and feng shui beliefs but also from a long-standing cultural tradition. Our forefathers used these flowers in rituals and taught their children to do the same, considering it a custom worth preserving.
Today, despite the changes brought by modern life, yellow chrysanthemums remain a revered part of ancestral altars during festivals. Maintaining the tradition of burning incense with these flowers is not just a spiritual connection but also a way to preserve the cultural essence of the Vietnamese people.
Reference for spiritual contemplation
