Each ancestral altar painting conveys a unique meaning and conveys the messages that descendants wish to offer to their ancestors. Hanging altar paintings that follow feng shui principles can also help attract fortune and prosperity to the household, bringing peace, happiness, and harmony to the family.
1 Buddhist Paintings
Buddhist Paintings
First and foremost, when it comes to altar paintings, we must mention those depicting Buddhist deities such as Bodhisattva and the Savior. These are the top choice for many homeowners. Hanging these Buddhist altar paintings in your home can bring a sense of peace and tranquility, as if you are being protected by the Buddha. Additionally, these paintings are believed to safeguard the home and ward off evil spirits.
A Buddhist altar painting in a home
2 Pine and Crane Painting
Pine and Crane Painting
The pine and crane painting is considered a symbol of prosperity and longevity, making it a top choice for families wishing for a vibrant and long life for their elders.
The pine tree represents resilience and longevity, while the crane signifies good luck, great fortune, and vibrant energy, bringing auspiciousness to the household.
The pine tree, a symbol of resilience
3 Lotus Flower Painting
Lotus Flower Painting
The lotus is a symbol of purity and nobility, considered the flower that most resembles the Buddha and holds the most significance in Vietnam. Hanging a lotus painting in the altar room can bring a sense of tranquility to the space, dispelling negative energies and inviting peace and harmony to the family.
The lotus, a symbol of purity
4 Fu Lu Shou Painting
Fu Lu Shou Painting
The trio of Fu Lu Shou, or Fortune, Luck, and Longevity, is a familiar image to many. Hanging this painting in your home invites a sense of blessings, health, and prosperity to your family. The Fu Lu Shou painting is often written in calligraphy, creating a graceful, artistic, and subtle effect.
Fu Lu Shou calligraphy painting
5 Calligraphy Painting of Confucian Virtues
Calligraphy Painting of Confucian Virtues
Ren, Li, Yi, Zhi, Xin – these are the five Confucian virtues that our ancestors have always taught us to uphold. Hanging this painting serves as a reminder to live by these virtues, to be virtuous and contribute positively to society.
Ren, Li, Yi, Zhi, Xin
6 Things to Note When Hanging Altar Paintings
Things to Note When Hanging Altar Paintings
To maximize the positive energy that these altar paintings bring, homeowners should consider the following when deciding on their placement:
-
Hang the painting symmetrically on both sides of the altar
-
Place the painting centrally above the altar
Opt for paintings with neutral colors, avoiding overly bright or dark shades.
Choose paintings with built-in lighting to enhance brightness and create a warm atmosphere.
Avoid hanging the painting higher than the altar.
Refrain from choosing paintings depicting wild animals, sunsets, or nightfall.
Buddhist paintings should be placed in a respectful and dignified location. If the painting is damaged, do not throw it away; instead, bring it to a temple to be burned, respectfully returning the Buddha to his rightful place.
We hope that this guide on altar paintings has helped you select a suitable piece for your home. Stay tuned for more helpful content!