Flowers play a significant role in Vietnamese culture, especially during special occasions such as the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, holidays, and ancestral worship. Arranging flowers is not only a way to show respect but also to attract and preserve wealth for the family.
Fresh flowers bring new life and the essence of nature, adding purity and solemnity to the worship space.
Placing a flower vase in the correct position on the altar is believed to boost positive energy and invite protection and blessings from ancestors and deities. However, not everyone knows how to arrange flowers in a way that aligns with Feng Shui principles.
Why do wealthy families usually place a flower vase on the left side of the altar when offering incense?
Wealthy families often attach great importance to worship and traditional rituals. They believe that arranging the altar according to Feng Shui principles demonstrates respect for ancestors and deities, and also brings prosperity and good fortune to the family.
When using a single flower vase, it is typically placed on the left side of the altar, following the principle of “east for vase, west for fruit.” This means that the vase is placed facing east, while the fruit plate is placed facing west. This arrangement follows the natural order of the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, and the cycle of flowers blooming before fruits appear. Thus, placing the vase in the east aligns with nature, bringing smooth energy and positivity to the household.
If the altar faces the main entrance to the south, placing the flower vase on the left (east) allows the fragrance of the flowers to permeate the space when the wind blows from the east or southeast, creating a sense of tranquility and solemnity in the worship area.
When using two flower vases, they should be placed symmetrically on both sides of the altar, with the fruit plate in the center, in front of the incense burner. This arrangement maintains balance while preserving the traditional Feng Shui meaning. Additionally, homeowners should pay attention to other worship items such as the three or five-piece sets, offering trays, and incense holders to enhance the solemnity of the worship space.
For smaller altars or wall-mounted altars, a single flower vase and an incense holder placed opposite each other may be sufficient. Avoid overcrowding the altar with too many flower vases, as it may disrupt the balance and detract from the overall aesthetics.
As for the choice of vase, opt for materials such as ceramic, porcelain, or glass, and avoid using metal vases. Flowers for the altar should have a subtle fragrance, lack sharp thorns, and be neatly trimmed to ensure both spiritual significance and family safety.
