Let’s be real here: As we approach the Lunar New Year, all the superstitions and Feng Shui suddenly get even more strictly practised. Whilst many of Generation Z find some of the rules rather ridiculous, let’s not jinx it but instead go with the flow.
If you are perhaps not familiar with the term Feng Shui, it’s essentially a Chinese philosophy that helps people find balance in the way they live by harmonising their living spaces in relation to the five elements; fire, water, wood, earth and metal. More importantly, it is about creating good chi energy for your home.
We agree this may all sound too hard to grasp just days before Chinese New Year arrives, but since spring cleaning may seem a little too late for fear of bad luck, perhaps just getting these home decor below could help improve the energy in your living room for the festive period.
Lucky bamboo
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These lucky bamboo plants (also scientifically known as Dracaena Sanderiana) are easily noticeable on the storefronts of spas and massage parlours. The house plant is undeniably a perfect decor to bring good Feng Shui to businesses and homes. According to Chinese philosophy, it holds tremendous significance depending on the number of stalks you have on display. Here are some numbers to keep in mind before making your purchase:
Two stalks: Love and marriage
Three stalks: Fu (happiness), Lu (wealth), Shou (longevity)
Five stalks: Balance in life in relation to the five elements of earth, water, fire, metal and wood
Six stalks: Good luck and wealth
Seven stalks: Good health
Eight stalks: Wealth and abundance
21 stalks: Success in all aspects of life
With the number four correlating to ‘death’ in Chinese, it’s best to avoid purchasing four stalks especially if you are gifting it to someone unless you want them dead.
Recommended spot: It is best placed East of the room, so take your compass out and start navigating to get the best chi energy
Mirrors
Image: Kirill/Unsplash
“It’s like you’re my mirror, my mirror staring back at me,”—we can’t help but reminisce about the legendary song by Justin Timberlake—which leads us on the topic of why you should get a mirror for your home. As the lyrics reiterate, mirrors reflect not only yourself but also the energy in the house.
Of course, it’s best to place them where you feel the need for an extra boost of energy such as places like your office. However, do bear in mind that the mirrors should not be reflecting anything of low significance such as trash cans.
Recommended spot: Down the hallway from your front door.
Feng Shui water fountain
Image: Fotosearch/Getty Images
It’s only normal if your first thought is “Where do I fit a water fountain in my tiny Build-To-Order (BTO) flat?” The good news is that it is definitely achievable. Conduct proper measurements, plan out your space and voila, a perfect little corner that can also look bohemian.
According to Feng Shui experts, as flowing water is potent, it is often used to create wealth for people living in the home. If you can spare getting a fountain that allows ample swimming space, rearing fishes in them could also further increase the smooth momentum of wealth.
Recommended spot: Near the entrance of your home, with the direction of the water flowing inwards to your house
Arowana fishes
Image: Amazon Singapore
Believed to have the power to bring good luck and prosperity, Arowana fishes are said to be the most auspicious of all aquatic creatures. That is perhaps also why they are deemed to be the most expensive type to get, with some even rumoured to be able to fetch up to $300,000.
Hence, the best alternative could be to then splurge on a red or gold Arowana fish figurine instead.
Recommended spot: In a display cabinet, on your TV console or on high shelves
Metal wind chimes
Image: Aiden Fang/Unsplash
Primarily, metal is yin (meaning receptive and feminine) in nature, which signifies energy moving inward. Whilst many crack their brains trying to inculcate the element into their home, practically hanging metal winds chimes is sufficient for curing bad energy.
Recommended spot: They can be placed by your window or in the West, North or North-West directions.
