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Why Do the Wealthy Place Flowers on the Left Side of the Altar When Burning Incense? Unveiling the Non-Superstitious Reason

Introducing the ancient art of Feng Shui, a practice that has long been revered by the wealthy and discerning. The strategic placement of a vase of flowers on the left side of the altar when burning incense is a subtle yet powerful way to attract abundance and prosperity. This simple act is a testament to the intricate understanding of energy flow and the delicate balance of the universe, as practiced by the affluent.

Administrator

26 July, 2024

Flowers play a significant role in Vietnamese culture, especially during special occasions and ancestral worship. On the first and full moon of each month, as well as during festivals and death anniversaries, flowers are an essential offering on the altar.

Fresh flowers not only symbolize new life but also embody the essence of nature. Placing a vase of flowers on the altar is believed to bring freshness and solemnity to the worship space while attracting wealth and enhancing the family’s fortune, with the blessings of ancestors and deities.

Wealthy families, in particular, pay great attention to worship rituals and often adhere to feng shui principles in arranging their altars. They believe that showing respect to their ancestors in this way will bring even more blessings and prosperity to their household.

Why do wealthy families place a vase of flowers on the left side of the altar?

When it comes to flower placement, the principle of “east for vase and west for fruit” is typically followed. According to this, a single vase of flowers should be placed on the left side of the altar, which corresponds to the east direction. This aligns with the natural order, as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and flowers bloom before fruits appear.

Wealthy families often place great emphasis on worship rituals and altar arrangements.

By placing the vase in the east and fruit in the west, the setup follows the natural cycle, contributing to a smoother and more prosperous flow of energy.

Additionally, if the altar faces the main door in a southern direction, positioning the vase on the left (east) allows the fragrance of the flowers to permeate the room when the wind blows from the east or southeast, adding a touch of tranquility and reverence to the worship space.

When using two vases of flowers, they should be placed symmetrically on both sides, with the fruit tray in the center, in front of the incense burner. This arrangement not only completes the setup but also preserves the symbolic meaning of the flowers.

To further enhance the solemnity of the worship space, the homeowner should also pay attention to other altar items such as the three or five ceremonial objects, the ceremonial tray, and the incense holder.

The ceremonial tray and other altar items contribute to a more dignified worship space.

For smaller altars, such as those hung on walls, a single vase of flowers and an incense holder placed opposite each other may be sufficient. Overcrowding the altar with too many vases of flowers should be avoided, as it may disrupt the balance with other altar items.

When choosing a vase for the altar, opt for those made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass, and avoid using metal materials like copper or iron. The flowers should have a gentle fragrance, be free of sharp thorns, and be neatly trimmed to ensure both spiritual significance and safety.

Frequently asked questions

The practice stems from the belief in Feng Shui, which suggests that placing flowers on the left brings positive energy and symbolizes respect for ancestors.

Yes, lotuses are the preferred choice as they represent purity and elegance, and are believed to bring good luck and fortune.

The practice is believed to have originated from the concept of balancing Yin and Yang energies. The left side is associated with the Yin energy, which is feminine, passive, and receptive. By placing flowers on this side, it is believed that the passive energy of the flowers can balance the active energy of burning incense, creating a harmonious environment.

According to Feng Shui principles, this practice can also bring health and longevity blessings, as the left side is associated with the concept of life and vitality.