An altar is an important aspect of feng shui and, for Vietnamese families, it is a sacred and revered space. The altar is a reflection of a family’s spiritual beliefs and their dedication to their ancestors. In feng shui, the altar room is believed to have a significant impact on the family’s well-being, prosperity, and fortune. Therefore, the design and arrangement of this space require careful consideration.

Why are altars rarely white?
When it comes to purchasing an altar, whether from a temple or a store, it is uncommon to find altars in colors like white, green, pink, or any bright and vibrant shades. In feng shui, white represents purity and innocence, but it is not considered a color of reverence or formality, which are essential qualities for a space dedicated to honoring ancestors and deities. Additionally, white can evoke a sense of coldness and sterility, making it challenging to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for worship.
Furthermore, white altars are more prone to showing dirt and stains, and they may not complement the various feng shui items and decorations typically displayed on and around the altar.
An altar serves as a gathering place for ancestral spirits and a focal point for spiritual energy. Therefore, it is crucial to choose colors that convey dignity and solemnity while also creating a sense of warmth and grandeur. White, with its cold and sterile associations, may not facilitate the desired energy flow.
Similarly, colors like bright red, yellow, pink, purple, and orange can be too stimulating and fail to evoke the desired sense of reverence and tranquility.

Since the altar represents the realm of the ancestors, it is important to avoid overly bright colors and lighting to maintain a balance between yin and yang energies.
What colors are recommended for an altar according to feng shui?
While feng shui items are often chosen based on the homeowner’s birth elements, the altar itself should be a neutral and harmonious space.
The altar should exude reverence and respect, so it is best to opt for neutral, warm, and gentle colors. Typically, home altars feature earthy and subdued colors like wooden tones, beige, light yellow, or light brown. These colors create a serene and elegant atmosphere. It is essential to avoid extremely bright colors (like sky blue, white, or neon yellow) as they can disrupt the desired ambiance and energy flow, as well as very dark colors (like dark brown, black, purple, or deep red) that may create a sense of gloom and heaviness.

A darker wooden-colored altar provides a versatile backdrop for the arrangement of feng shui items and decorations. For instance, a light wooden-colored altar can be beautifully complemented by a set of blue-glazed incense burners and ritual implements, a vase of white, pink, or yellow flowers, and soft yellow lighting to create a warm and joyous atmosphere.
When selecting the wood for the altar, choose sturdy and durable types such as rosewood, mahogany, red sandalwood, pine, or Russian oak.
The altar room should not be overly bright or exposed to direct sunlight or strong winds, as this can disrupt the balance of yin and yang energies. Remember, the altar represents the realm of the ancestors, which is associated with the yin energy.
When setting up the altar, avoid direct lighting or candlelight on the altar, artificial flowers, or having the light source shine directly into the eyes of those offering incense. It is also considered inauspicious to use iron incense holders, commonly found in temples, on the family altar.
When offering incense, opt for natural incense sticks without chemical additives, as the burning of chemicals can contaminate the spiritual energy of the space.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and may not be applicable to all cultural or religious traditions.