Feng Shui is the Chinese tradition of using the elements that make up your home, from colors and furniture through to accessories, to create the energy flows and vibrations required for health, wealth and happiness. While it has dwindled in popularity since the 90′s, where using Feng Shui became a big trend in Western decoration and interior design, many long term advocates swear by the principles it teaches, and these are of course ancient in origin, meaning there have been devotees in China for thousands of years!
Flowers in Feng Shui
Flowers are regularly used in Feng Shui for all kinds of purposes, however it is often the symbolic value of the flower that is prized rather than the presence of the natural organism itself. This means that while live flowers are considered to be the best thing for Feng Shui purposes, in some circumstances imagery of the desired flower or a high end silk imitation in a vase can be considered to have the same power. This means that even if you can’t afford to buy fresh flowers all the time or just don’t like having them in your home (perhaps for allergy reasons), you can still try and gain their Feng Shui benefits by using ornamental items that show the flowers symbolically. This is why so many traditional Chinese items have the images of plants and flowers on them.
Here are some of the most symbolic flowers used in the art of Feng Shui:
Peony
The peony is considered to represent female beauty, and is often used to symbolize love and romance. The most common motif in this regard is a pair of pink peonies together. The peony is regarded as sensual, and the aroma as well as the appearance of this flower are valued as having aphrodisiac qualities – indeed, peony is a common fragrance used in high end perfumes and cosmetics. However, Feng Shui experts do warn older couples against using images of the peony – it can represent the temptation of a younger woman!
Cherry, Apple, Dogwood or Peach Blossom
These blossoms are often depicted on Chinese decorations and artwork, and are regarded in Feng Shui terms as symbols of new beginnings and the innocence of entering a new phase. They are usually used in symbolic form within the home as it can be hard to display the live flowers, due to the fact they are small and grow on trees.
Orchids
Orchids are thought, both in Feng Shui and in other highly symbolic ancient schools of belief, to be symbols of fertility, both male and female (though in some cultures they represent the male). In more modern uses of Feng Shui, the meaning of the orchid has expanded to encompass general perfection and purity, which is why they are so popular even in homes where fertility may not be a pressing priority!
Lotus
In all Chinese arts, including Chinese medicine and Feng Shui, the lotus is the most highly valued flower of all. In Feng Shui, a lotus is regarded as an essential part of a peaceful and happy home, and is also seen to have the ability to cure and relieve all kinds of negativity and bad fortune.
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
Today’s feature writer, Mathew Bing, is a freelance blogger and an interior decor expert. He recently bought some beautiful vases (click here for more info) and he suggests that a flower vase that matches the theme of the house will give it a finished and elegant look.
