The Three Trees of Fortune: A Family’s Legacy.

11 September, 2024

In Vietnamese culture, elders often advise their descendants to plant certain trees that are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the family. Among these trees are three that are considered especially auspicious and should never be cut down, even in times of hardship, as doing so is thought to bring bad luck and drive away wealth and peace.

The Goldenrain Tree

The Goldenrain tree is revered for its beautiful flowers that transition from golden buds to white blossoms, exuding a delicate fragrance. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this tree is also a valuable medicinal resource, known for its anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and cholesterol-lowering properties, among other benefits.

Planting this tree in front of a house is considered auspicious, as it provides shade and beauty while also attracting good fortune and career advancement opportunities for the residents.

In ancient times, three Goldenrain trees were typically planted outside imperial courts, representing the three highest-ranking officials: the Grand Marshal, Grand Secretary, and Grand Guardian. As such, the flowers of this tree have come to symbolize prestige and high rank.

Not only does this tree bring career blessings, but it is also believed to enhance one’s health and attract offspring. For these reasons, cutting down an old Goldenrain tree is thought to bring an end to one’s good fortune.

The Elm Tree

The second tree that elders advise against cutting down is the Elm. The leaves of the Elm tree are known as “money leaves,” symbolizing wealth and abundance. In times of famine, the leaves and bark of the Elm tree can be dried and consumed as food, providing valuable nutrition.

The Elm tree is also valued for its medicinal properties, with the bark being used to treat various ailments when access to healthcare was limited. The reluctance to cut down Elm trees stems from a desire to preserve the benefits that this tree brings for future generations, echoing modern concepts of sustainability.

The Hawthorn Tree

The Hawthorn tree is widely cultivated in Vietnam and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The Vietnamese word for Hawthorn sounds similar to the word for “pink,” a color associated with good omens and luck.

The Hawthorn tree bears an abundance of fruit, symbolizing a large family with many children and grandchildren. It is thought that cutting down this tree would sever the flow of wealth and good fortune to the family.

The information in this article is based on traditional beliefs and should be considered for entertainment purposes only.

Frequently asked questions

It is a tale of three trees on a hill, each with their own aspirations. The first wishes to be a treasure chest, the second a mighty ship, and the third desires to stay on the hill and grow old. Their wishes come true as a family carves the first tree into a chest, the second becomes a ship, and the third is left to watch over the hill.

The trees’ wishes reflect the family’s journey and legacy. The first tree’s wish to be a treasure chest reflects the family’s desire to hold and protect their most valued possessions – their memories, love, and legacy. The second tree’s journey becomes a ship, taking them on a voyage of life with all its adventures and challenges. The third tree, staying on the hill, represents the family’s roots, their starting point, and the place they always called home.

The story conveys a message of aspiration, destiny, and the impact we have on others. The trees’ wishes come true, but in a way they couldn’t foresee, just as our own aspirations may be fulfilled in unexpected ways. It also highlights the idea that even when we are gone, our legacy lives on and continues to influence and shape the lives of those around us.