As an integral part of Chinese culture for over four thousand years, 风水, or Feng Shui, appears in many Chinese households. Translated literally, it means wind and water. Stemming from ancient times with roots in Taoism, Feng Shui is the art of arranging buildings, furniture, and objects to achieve harmony and balance, so the buildings’ occupants reap various benefits.
Image by The Spruce / Nusha Ashjaee
The practice focuses on harnessing chi, the purest form of force and energy which fuels all of life. Feng Shui not only seeks to improve the flow of chi, but also maximizes the chi that enters the space. There are many guides regarding what items should be placed and where, especially near windows or doors from where chi can enter. For example, according to Feng Shui, plants placed near windows should be trimmed regularly so they do not interfere with chi entering the home.
Another major principle of Feng Shui is the balance of the five elements: earth, water, wood, fire, and metal. Each of these elements is believed to represent an important aspect of one’s life for prosperity and should be present in a space. For instance, health is represented by earth. In order to encourage wellness and health, one should incorporate earth tones and clay or ceramic materials in the surrounding space.
Although some might write off Feng Shui as a superstition, it is a beautiful way of striving for balance in life—a traditional approach that brings comfort to many.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/feng-shui
https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-feng-shui-1275060
https://morrisfengshui.com/blog/feng-shui-101-chi
https://redlotusletter.com/the-feng-shui-of-windows/