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Offering fresh flowers on the altar is a cherished tradition in Vietnamese culture, expressing gratitude and reverence. Discover the types of flowers forbidden on the Tet altar to maintain its sanctity.
Floral Taboos for Tet Altars
Significance of Offering Flowers on the Ancestral Altar
According to Vietnamese beliefs, offering flowers on the ancestral altar during ancestor worship, deity worship, and on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month is the most solemn expression of reverence.
In addition, offering fresh flowers symbolizes presenting the good deeds and kindness performed during the past period. It is an act of expressing gratitude from the living to ancestors and deities, even if the material value is small.
Floral Arrangements on Tet Altars
According to Buddhist followers, flowers are the essence, followed by the outcome. Therefore, offering flowers on the ancestral altar reflects the cultivation of kindness. If fresh, beautiful flowers are offered without violating prohibitions, they will yield sweet fruits.
Currently, there is a wide variety of flower species; however, not all flowers are suitable for offering on the altar. Hence, it is advisable to carefully choose the types of flowers to arrange on the altar, especially as Tet approaches.
Compilation of Forbidden Flowers Not to Place on the Tet Altar
1. Lily Flowers
Is it appropriate to worship the lily flower?
Despite its beauty, vibrant colors, and delightful fragrance, the name of this flower evokes thoughts of separation and farewell. Therefore, the lily is considered an inauspicious flower and should not be placed on the Buddhist altar or ancestral worship. However, it can be offered in other sacred spaces.
2. Orchid Flower
The orchid boasts a spectrum of vivid colors and the term 'phong' is often associated with freedom and romance. Despite its beauty and resilience, people exercise caution when placing this flower on the altar, respecting its connotations.
3. Jasmine Blossom
Symbolizing purity and innocence, the jasmine flower is paradoxically considered inappropriate for the altar, as it is perceived as a symbol of instability and lack of steadfastness.
4. Lotus Flower (also known as Water Lily)
The lotus flower
In Vietnamese belief, the champaka flower is said to resemble a sensitive part of the female anatomy, particularly according to Lao folklore, bringing no luck in love. Despite its beauty and fragrance, it is deemed an inauspicious flower and should not find a place on the altar.
5. Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum, adorned in vibrant yellow, symbolizes freshness, prosperity, and good fortune. However, according to Feng Shui experts, offering chrysanthemums on the altar may attract unfortunate events, especially accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Hence, this flower is considered inappropriate for worship.
6. Dragon Claw Orchid
The dragon claw orchid is another flower deemed inauspicious for the altar due to its petal resemblance to dragon claws and an unappealing name.
7. Daisy Flower
Also known as pigsty flower, the daisy carries a derogatory name. Despite its beauty and medicinal properties, it is advised not to place this flower on the altar.
8. Morning Glory Flower
Compared to the other flowers, the morning glory flower has a beautiful name, but it quickly withers, and there are unfavorable legends associated with it. Therefore, people refrain from using this flower for altar offerings.
9. Angel's Trumpet Flower
The term 'angel's trumpet' carries negative connotations, leading people to avoid using this flower for ancestral worship and spiritual ceremonies.
Which flowers are suitable for the altar?
In addition to the feast and the five-fruit tray, it is customary to adorn the ancestral altar with fresh flowers during Tet, symbolizing gratitude and wishing the family a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Flower Arrangements for the Tet Altar
According to tradition, flowers offered on the altar are usually those with beautiful names, long-lasting blooms, and pleasant fragrances. It is advisable to choose flowers in red and yellow hues for good luck, such as:
1. Peach Blossom
2. Orchid Flower
3. Yellow Chrysanthemum
4. Crimson Rose
5. Apricot Blossom
Considerations When Offering Flowers on the Altar
In addition to selecting appropriate flowers for the altar, there are other important considerations to keep in mind:
- The altar is a place of reverence, so ensure symmetry when placing flowers. Avoid uneven arrangements where one side has a large vase while the other has a smaller one, as it may overshadow other items on the altar.
- When choosing flowers for the altar, carefully inspect each blossom. Opt for newly budding flowers to ensure longevity, and select fresh, recently cut blooms.
- It is recommended to display one or two types of flowers on the altar. Too many flowers may diminish the solemnity and reverence of the altar.
With the information on flowers unsuitable for the Tet altar, you now have insights on choosing appropriate flowers for worship during this festive season. Refer to the list of recommended flowers for the altar here.
As Tet arrives and spring approaches, it is a time to express respect to the divine and seek blessings for the upcoming year. Therefore, during the transition from the old year to the new year, many families prepare for the outdoor and indoor Tet Eve rituals. In addition to preparing offerings and ritual items, it is essential to prepare Tet Eve prayers both outdoors and indoors to convey intentions and desires more effectively.
