We know that most everyone appreciates flowers, be it in their own garden or store bought. Live flowers decorate not only your home but your heart. They breathe life to any room and bring "chi" energy. Feng Shui is often associated with numbers or the 5 elements while little is known about the association between flowers and Feng Shui. Besides their delicate presence, flowers affect our social behaviour in a positive way, by brightening a home or office and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Flowers are a symbol of joy and used for the purpose of enhancing a setting or celebratory occasions, bringing happiness and surprise. Love, purity, longevity and good luck are all tied to flowers and plants in Feng Shui.
Descriptions and Symbols of Feng Shui Flowers
- Orchid
The orchid is known as the Feng Shui symbol for fertility, perfection and good luck. An emblem of love and beauty they share an infinite number of variety, shapes, and colours. In China, orchids are associated with wealth, elegance and considered auspicious. Being a flowering plant, orchids belong to the wood element and can also benefit the work area to influence the promotion of wealth. It is a natural element for spiritual growth in Feng Shui and a popular house plant in the West.
- Cherry Blossom
The Cherry Blossom was a gift to the West from the city of Tokyo as a symbol of friendship between the U.S. and Japan. They are native to Japan and China and held in high esteem in both countries. These blossoms bloom only a short time in the spring and once were associated with the Samurai culture of Japan who like the flower expected to live short lives. Today the cherry blossom is associated with new beginnings, purity and innocence.
- Lotus Flower
The lotus is associated with untainted beauty growing from the mud from which it originates without touching it. A spiritual plant, symbolizes perfection related to a harmonious household and enhanced creativity. The lotus flower is also known to bring good luck and purity. In Chinese medicine the plant has been used for cures and is known as a strong Feng Shui symbol.
- Narcissus
The narcissus is associated with the "flowering" of creativity and the ability for success in a chosen career. The white narcissus in Feng Shui is known as the cure and reward for hard work.
Displaying this flower in a working environment is said to produce positive results for your career.
- Chrysanthemum
The Feng Shui symbol for the chrysanthemum is balance and an easy life. This flower is considered to have Yang energy attracting happiness and joy to yourself and home. Displayed in a central portion of the home, it brings balance to its core.
- Peony
Called the "king" of flowers, it attracts love and romance and is thought to protect relationships in Feng Shui. A sensual flower with a beautiful scent, the peony is the traditional floral symbol of China and state flower of Indiana. The lush petals are regarded as an omen of a happy marriage and good fortune.
- Bamboo
Bamboo is considered the lucky wood plant bringing all five elements into balance to further Feng Shui values of strength and harmony.
By placing the bamboo stalks (representing the wood element)
¨ into a blue or black container (representing the water element)
¨ into soil (representing the earth element)
¨ with metal coins (representing the metal element)
¨ tied with a red ribbon (representing the fire element)
to form a symbolic representation of the five elements in one plant
Feng Shui and the use of Flowers
The flowers of Feng Shui bring positive energy and good luck into a house creating an ideal connection between you and your environment. Live flowers allow energy to flow; they brighten surroundings with a strong or delicate scent and colour. When live flowers are not possible it is preferable to have good quality silk flowers, as dried or dead flowers represent dead energy. Plants with pointed leaves are more Yang and allows "chi" to circulate, while round, floppy leaves are more Yin and tend to calm. The energy derived from the flowers you select should be appealing, considering colour, shape or scent and how they trigger your emotions. Live flowers and plants symbolize health and growth in spirit and relate to your personality and your surroundings.
Sources: Feng Shui Basics at Life123.com
