Worship is a long-standing traditional custom of the Vietnamese people, considered a characteristic of the spiritual culture of the Vietnamese. On important days such as death anniversaries, holidays, and Tet, the children in the family usually prepare an offering tray with various dishes and a vase of flowers to present to the ancestors’ altar.
Different types of flowers carry different meanings, so not all flowers are suitable for ancestral worship. Let’s explore the eight types of flowers that can be used for offerings, along with their symbolic meanings.
1 Why Do We Need Flowers on the Ancestral Altar?
The significance of flowers on the ancestral altar
Flowers are an indispensable element when offering respects to the ancestors, according to Vietnamese traditional customs. Although small in value, flowers hold profound symbolic meanings. A beautiful bouquet of flowers placed next to the food offerings represents solemnity, reverence, and gratitude of the descendants towards their ancestors.
In Buddhism, flowers also symbolize the concept of “cause and effect”. Seeing flowers reminds us of the importance of cultivating good causes and conditions to reap the fruits of happiness in the future. Therefore, offering flowers on the ancestral altar is considered essential during important occasions such as holidays and Tet.
2 Eight Auspicious Flowers for the Ancestral Altar
Red Roses
Red roses for the ancestral altar on Tet
Red roses are known for symbolizing love and happiness, and they also represent protection. Roses typically have a subtle and pleasant fragrance, making them an excellent choice for ancestral offerings.
In feng shui, the color red often symbolizes good luck and fortune. Choosing red roses as offerings during Tet indicates that the ancestors will bless the family with abundant wealth and prosperity in the coming year.
For further reference:
Yellow Apricot Blossoms
Yellow apricot blossoms for the ancestral altar on Tet
Yellow apricot blossoms, or hoa mai in Vietnamese, are abundant during the spring season and are commonly used during Tet in Southern Vietnam. A branch of yellow apricot blossoms placed in a vase and offered to the ancestors signifies the arrival of spring and conveys a message of prosperity and wealth.
Additionally, yellow apricot blossoms are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring positive energy, promoting good health and peace within the family.
For further reference:
Yellow Chrysanthemums
Yellow chrysanthemums for the ancestral altar on Tet
Yellow chrysanthemums are among the most popular flowers used for ancestral offerings. The bright and vibrant yellow color of these flowers symbolizes filial piety and everlasting life.
In feng shui, the color yellow represents the metal element, which is associated with wealth and prosperity. Offering yellow chrysanthemums is believed to bring good fortune, enhance the family’s blessings, and lead to a life of abundance and fulfillment.
Lotus Flowers
Lotus flowers for the ancestral altar on Tet
Lotus flowers are closely associated with the image of Buddha in Buddhism. Their elegant appearance and pure fragrance have made them a symbol of this religion.
Lotus flowers represent purity, strength, faith, and resilience. They are often found in Buddhist temples, serving as a base for Buddha statues.
Peach Blossoms
Peach blossoms for the ancestral altar on Tet
Peach blossoms are another spring flower commonly used during Tet, especially in Northern Vietnam. Thus, they have become a symbol of this festive season.
In feng shui, peach blossoms are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to the family. They also symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.
For further reference: Guide to
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria for the ancestral altar on Tet
Alstroemeria, also known as “sword lily” or “Peruvian lily,” has a unique shape resembling a sword, with blooms that resemble orchids. This flower has a long vase life and symbolizes warmth and commitment, making it a popular choice for ancestral offerings during holidays and Tet.
Gloriosa
Gloriosa for the ancestral altar on Tet
Gloriosa, or flame lily, comes in various colors, but for ancestral offerings, it is advisable to choose red or yellow flowers, or those with deep, rich hues. These colors symbolize gratitude and reverence towards the ancestors.
The name “gloriosa” also implies good luck, wealth, and prosperity, as well as health and longevity for the family.
Tulips
Tulips for the ancestral altar on Tet
Tulips come in a variety of colors and are often used as offerings on the ancestral altar during Tet. They symbolize good luck, joy, and happiness for the family.
3 Nine Flowers to Avoid on the Ancestral Altar
Lilies
While lilies are beautiful and vibrant, many people believe that their name implies separation and farewell, making them unsuitable for offerings to Buddha or the ancestral altar.
Lilies
Orchids
Orchids are exquisite flowers, but the word “orchid” in Vietnamese, hoa phong lan, sounds similar to “phong tình” or “phóng túng,” which can be associated with promiscuity or libertinism. Therefore, many people avoid using orchids for ancestral offerings or when visiting Buddhist temples.
Orchids
Dragon’s Claw Orchids
Dragon’s claw orchids have a unique shape that resembles a dragon’s claw, and their name is not considered auspicious. Therefore, this type of flower is not used for ancestral worship.
Dragon’s claw orchids
Plumeria
Plumeria, also known as frangipani, has a sweet fragrance and vibrant colors. However, it is considered taboo for ancestral worship due to its shape, which resembles a sensitive part of the female body. Additionally, according to Laotian folklore, this flower brings bad luck in romantic relationships.
Plumeria
Jasmine
Jasmine has a sweet fragrance and pure white color, symbolizing innocence and purity. However, in folk beliefs, jasmine is considered a flower that brings bad luck and is associated with promiscuity and adversity.
Jasmine
Garland Chrysanthemums
Garland chrysanthemums, or cúc áo in Vietnamese, have a small, delicate appearance and vibrant colors. They are also known for their medicinal properties. However, due to their name, which is not considered auspicious, they are used solely for decorative purposes and not for ancestral worship.
Garland chrysanthemums
Marigolds
Marigolds are believed to bring bad luck in feng shui, and they also have a strong, unpleasant odor. Therefore, they are not commonly used for ancestral worship.
Marigolds
Hibiscus
Hibiscus, or hoa dâm bụt in Vietnamese, has vibrant colors but is not used for ancestral worship due to the presence of the word “dâm” in its name, which can be associated with promiscuity. According to folklore, this flower represents women with unchaste and unfaithful personalities. Therefore, most families refrain from using hibiscus for ancestral offerings.
Can I place a small flower pot on the ancestral altar or should I only use a vase for flowers?
In Vietnamese culture, when it comes to offering in worship, aside from fruits, chicken, sticky rice, and pastries, flowers also play an important role. But is it acceptable to place a potted plant or only cut flowers arranged in a vase?
4 Types of Flowers that Bring Prosperity to Your Family Altar: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not all types of flowers can be placed on the ancestral altar, as it may bring negative energy to the family’s fortune and prosperity. Here are the types of flowers that should be avoided at all costs.
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