The practice of worship has long been considered a beautiful aspect of the spiritual culture of Vietnamese people. People often worship on death anniversaries, major holidays like Tet, and pray for blessings from above, asking for smooth sailing, peace, and happiness for their family members.
In addition to food and fruit, an important detail on the ancestral or Buddhist altar during these ceremonies is a vase of flowers. However, not all flowers are suitable for this purpose. Here is a list of flowers that can be used on the altar, as well as some that should be avoided:
1 Flowers Suitable for Worship
Yellow Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular choices for altar offerings due to their rich symbolism. They represent filial piety, longevity, life, blessings, luck, and prosperity. The bright yellow color of these flowers also adds a touch of warmth and cheerfulness to the somber autumn season.
Related Reading: 6 types of flowers suitable for worship on the 23rd of the 12th lunar month
Chrysanthemum Morifolium
Also known as the chrysanthemum, this flower comes in a variety of colors and is commonly used for worship. As the name suggests, it symbolizes good fortune, wealth, and longevity. It is also associated with elegance and longevity.
Red Roses
Roses have long been associated with happiness and eternity. Placing a vase of red roses on the ancestral altar during the Mid-Autumn Festival is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the entire year.
Lotus
The lotus flower grows in muddy waters yet remains unstained, symbolizing purity and elegance. It is often associated with Buddha and is considered a flower of high virtue. Offering lotuses during worship is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the family.
2 Flowers to Avoid for Worship
Orchid
The word “phong” in its Vietnamese name implies a romantic or amorous connotation, and the vibrant colors of orchids are considered too flashy for the solemn atmosphere of worship. Therefore, offering orchids may be seen as a sign of disrespect.
Lilies
The Vietnamese word for lily, “ly,” is associated with separation and loss. Despite their beauty and fragrance, lilies are generally avoided during worship on the full moon day.
Jasmine
Also known as “lài” in Vietnamese, jasmine carries a negative connotation due to its association with a folk saying, “jasmine plugged into a buffalo’s dung.” As a result, jasmine is not considered appropriate for altar decorations.
Marigolds
Marigolds have bright yellow petals that symbolize good fortune and prosperity. However, their strong odor and association with bad luck in feng shui make them unsuitable for altar offerings.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers are not used for worship due to the presence of the word “dâm” in their Vietnamese name, which is associated with promiscuity and lust.
The above suggestions provide a guide on choosing appropriate flowers for your ancestral altar during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Select flowers that align with the occasion and create a beautiful and meaningful display for your family’s worship.
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