The ancestral altar is a spiritual space that connects the living with their ancestors. Many families choose to place Feng Shui plants on their altars to enhance positive energy and attract luck and fortune. Wealthy individuals often favor placing the lucky bamboo plant on their altars, but do you know why?
Why is the lucky bamboo plant popular for ancestral altars?
Lucky bamboo, also known as money tree or Dracaena sanderiana, has a name that speaks for itself. With its straight, branchless stalks and vibrant green leaves, it symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. The number of stalks arranged together can also carry specific meanings; for instance, two stalks represent love, three for happiness, and five for wealth.
Additionally, lucky bamboo is known for its air-purifying abilities and can absorb radiation from electronic devices, making it an ideal plant to have indoors or on an altar.
In Feng Shui, lucky bamboo represents the Wood element, which signifies growth, vitality, and new beginnings. By placing it on the ancestral altar, it is believed that ancestors will bless their descendants with abundance, good health, and harmony within the family. The presence of lucky bamboo is thought to foster a peaceful and prosperous environment.
Furthermore, lucky bamboo is adaptable to low-light conditions, making it suitable for placement on altars without access to direct sunlight.
Things to Consider When Placing Lucky Bamboo on an Ancestral Altar
– Choose the right number of stalks
In Feng Shui, the number of stalks carries specific meanings. Homeowners can adjust the number of lucky bamboo stalks on their altars according to their desires. For instance, displaying a single stalk represents unity and protection of wealth and luck. On the other hand, three or five stalks symbolize happiness and family harmony, while six or eight stalks are chosen to ensure smooth sailing in all aspects of life.
– Enhance the energy with red ribbons
According to Feng Shui experts, lucky bamboo inherently represents the Wood element. When planted in soil, it also incorporates the Earth element. By adding water to nourish the plant, you introduce the Water element. To gather all five elements of Feng Shui (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), consider tying a red ribbon around the vase or pot, as red is associated with the Fire element. You can also place a metal coin in the pot to represent the Metal element.
– Caring for your lucky bamboo
Although lucky bamboo tolerates low-light conditions, it still requires some sunlight to thrive. Prolonged periods of darkness can cause leaf discoloration and wilting. Therefore, it is advisable to occasionally expose the plant to sunlight, avoiding intense direct sunlight. For hydroponically grown lucky bamboo, remember to change the water and rinse the vase every seven to ten days to prevent unpleasant odors and maintain the sanctity of the altar.