Orchids and Feng Shui

[catttan]

Do you wonder why we see phalaenopsis being placed in strategic positions in homes and offices, even by non-orchid fanciers? Well it has to do with the Chinese belief in Feng Shui where certain elements that bring luck and good fortune are placed strategically in harmony with buildings and architectural designs.
But what has that to do with phalaenopsis? Well the Chinese name for phal is 'butterfly ( or moth ) flower, and in Cantonese the first syllable for this sounds like 'Fu' meaning wealth and riches. So well-placed phal, particularly the reds, pinks, and yellows would bring good fortune.
In Hong Kong where Feng Shui governs every aspect of life and especially in business, phalaenopsis are in great demand esp during the Chinese New Year.Great quantities of phals are produced in South China and Taiwan for the New Year market.Last year I was in Hong Kong and was intrigued by the large amount of phals that were on sale for the New Year.
Other symbols of good fortune for the New Year are mandarin oranges and kumquats( sounds like 'gold' in Chinese) and also pussy willows and pink peach blossoms( signifying spring and new growth and hope).

I'm posting some pics of phals and and kumquats for sale by street vendors and florists.

[mujacko2002]

Mabuhay!

Well, I always believe that plants enhances one's environment. I really like/admire homes that have gardens or at least plants that are well-take cared of.

[tunari]

I read some books about feng shui ,but I never practice it.
The phals and kumquats that you show us are amazing !
I am sure the feng-shui principles are every whereare easy to apply with such wonders about.
In any case certainly, life is beautiful with them!
And ...... I remember to read again my books with feng shui ! Way not ?
Thanks Yew Sung!
Ruxandra

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Very impressive and another reason to have orchids in the house!! Thanks for the informaiton, Yew Sung.

cheers,
BD

[walingwaling]

nice pix and thanks for the info!

[Rence]

Well, most people in the Philippines would like to grow orchids ( being good luck)

In some parts of the country , Cymbidium finlaysonianum , Dendrobium anosmum Dendrobium aphyllum aka Dendrobium pierardii are regarded as " good luck plants" or some sort of charm to ward off evil spirit

[catttan]

Thanks Rence for the information.Isn't it lucky I have the anosmumand the finlaysonianum. Haha.
The Chinese have been growing Cym ensifolium in their gardens for more than 2000 years for its fragrance and the positive energy that it brings. Indeed Confucius said, (the old Sage seemed to have said everything about everything) , " Nothing smells more fragrant than the 'lan' (Chinese name for the Cym ensifolium)."

[Cjcorner]

Thanks Rence for the information.Isn't it lucky I have the anosmumand the finlaysonianum. Haha.
The Chinese have been growing Cym ensifolium in their gardens for more than 2000 years for its fragrance and the positive energy that it brings. Indeed Confucius said, (the old Sage seemed to have said everything about everything) , " Nothing smells more fragrant than the 'lan' (Chinese name for the Cym ensifolium)."

I was just thinking...i've got the anosmum, now for the other two! lol Great minds think alike. And now that I have feng shui orchid knowledge I'll have to get another dozen. lol Thanks all...

[catttan]

Thanks to everyone for reading the post on phal and feng shui.

[catttan]

Thanks for reading the post on phals and feng shui.

At the risk of being labelled tedious here is a bit more on the same subject.

I am posting 2 pics on the symbols for Fu, Lu, and Shou. This Chinese ceramic figurines ( Fu on the left; Lu in the middle; and Shou; are usually placed on a high position in the living or dining rooms.

Fu represents wealth and good fortune: notice the silver ingot-like money he's carrying in his hand.

Lu represents advancement in life and career: he's carrying either a scroll representing power and authority; or a child representing a fruitful and bountiful life.

Shou represents longevity: he's carrying a peach of immortality, a peach-wood staff and gourd container the elixir of youth. Also notice the bulging forehead representing wisdom gained through age and experience.

N.B.These figurines are symbols and are seldom if ever worshipped as gods or idols.They are simply a reminder of the hopes and aspirations that we strive for. The scroll carried by Lu represents success in the imperial exams that would elevate one to high positions of officials in government. The exams were so difficult that it took years of hard work and study to be successful and only a very small percentage of candidates passed these exams.

Something was lost in translation from Chinese into English resulting in these figurines being referred to as 'gods' or 'idols'. More correctly they should be referred to as the Three Star Symbols as each represents a star in the constellation that governs our destiny.

* I have also included 2 pics to show how far Hong Kong people will go to ensure good feng shui. The first is self explanatory and the second shows the sight that will greet you when you go in.( What asight for sore eyes)!!!