Many people wonder about the Lu Ban ruler and how it is used and referenced. Today, we will answer all your questions about this unique tool!
1 What is the Lu Ban Ruler?
The Lu Ban ruler is a tool used in construction for both Yang Zhai (houses) and Yin Zhai (tombs). This ruler is marked with standard measurements corresponding to auspicious and inauspicious sections, helping users identify favorable and unfavorable dimensions.
What is the Lu Ban Ruler?
All Lu Ban rulers follow the same principle: The ruler is divided into major sections (auspicious or inauspicious). Each major section is further divided into minor sections, indicating specific details about what is auspicious or inauspicious. Red indicates auspicious sections to use, while black indicates inauspicious sections to avoid.
2 Origin of the Lu Ban Ruler
People in the East believe that when building a house, one should choose dimensions that are aesthetically pleasing and auspicious to invite good fortune and prosperity for the homeowner.
Origin of the Lu Ban Ruler
Understanding this desire, a famous carpenter from the State of Lu (present-day Shandong Province) during the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC) created a ruler marked with dimensions indicating beauty and ugliness for convenient measurement.
Thus, this ruler was named after the carpenter, “Lu Ban.”
3 Common Types of Lu Ban Rulers
There are three types of Lu Ban rulers commonly used today:
- Lu Ban ruler 52.2cm: Used to measure hollow blocks, openings, or “bright spots,” such as windows, vents, doors, skylights, etc.
- Lu Ban ruler 42.9cm: Used to measure solid blocks, construction details, and indoor furniture such as house cladding, bases, stoves, steps, beds, cabinets, etc.
- Lu Ban ruler 38.8cm: Used for Yin Zhai measurements, including graves, tombs, altars, and urns.
Lu Ban Ruler 38.8
4 How to Use the Lu Ban Ruler
Each type of Lu Ban ruler is used to measure different parts of a structure. Before measuring, it is essential to understand the meaning and usage of each ruler to choose the appropriate dimensions.
Structure of the Lu Ban Ruler
The Lu Ban ruler typically has three main parts:
- First row: Indicates the measurement (in cm).
- Second row: Represents the sections according to the 38.8cm Lu Ban ruler.
- Third row: Represents the sections according to the 42.9cm Lu Ban ruler.
Using the Lu Ban Ruler: When measuring, if your chosen dimension falls within a red section, it is considered auspicious and favorable for feng shui. If it falls within a black section, it is inauspicious, and you should reconsider and remeasure.
How to Use the Lu Ban Ruler
Measurement Principles of the Lu Ban Ruler:
- Measuring doors: The Lu Ban door dimensions are calculated from the inner edge of the door, and both height and width should be measured.
- Measuring house height: Measure from the floor to the ceiling above.
- Measuring indoor furniture: Measure the length, width, height, or diameter of the object.
5 How to Look Up the Lu Ban Ruler Online
In addition to using the Lu Ban ruler for direct measurements, you can also look up dimensions on Google or mobile apps.
When looking up the Lu Ban ruler online, people often use the formula: “Two blacks to discard, two reds to use” or “Three blacks to discard, three reds to use.”
Looking Up the Lu Ban Ruler Online
Note
When looking up dimensions on the Lu Ban ruler, it is essential to consider the balance and stability of the structure. Ensuring the quality of the house requires careful calculation.
Above are the answers to your questions about the Lu Ban ruler and how to look it up. We hope you find this information helpful.
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