Many believe that any type of flower, including artificial ones, can be used for offering to Buddha. However, this notion is inaccurate and not agreed upon by Buddhist followers. Flowers offered to Buddha need to meet certain standards, which have been acknowledged by many over a long period. Flowers unsuitable for Buddhist offerings include those with bright colors or strong fragrances, especially jasmine and plumeria... So, which flowers should be used for offering to Buddha on Lunar New Year? Let's delve into the details below.
Offering Flowers to Buddha on Lunar New Year
Various Flowers for Buddha Offerings on Lunar New Year
1. Lion's Head Flower
Lion's Head Flower, also known as Sala Flower, Ngọc Kỳ Lân Flower, or Dragon's Jaw Flower... This type of flower has a deep connection with Buddhism, hence it is considered a Sacred Flower. The flower comes in red and white colors, with a gentle fragrance, and the fruit is quite large but not edible.
Lion's Head Flower for Buddha Offerings on Lunar New Year
2. Lotus Flower
When mentioning the Lotus Flower, surely everyone knows it as a Sacred Flower in Buddhism. According to legend, when the Buddha took his first steps, lotus flowers bloomed under each of his feet. The human heart is like a lotus bud; as one's Buddha nature develops, the lotus blooms. Hence, the Lotus Flower is considered a suitable flower for offering to Buddha on Lunar New Year.
Lotus Flower for Buddha Offerings on Lunar New Year
3. White Jade Orchid Flower
White Jade Orchid Flower is a flower with ivory color and a subtle yet fragrant scent. Many people use this flower for offering to Buddha, so you can definitely choose and offer it to Buddha on Lunar New Year.
White Jade Orchid Flower for Buddha Offerings on Lunar New Year
4. Magnolia Flower
Magnolia Flower, also known as Grand Magnolia or Lily Magnolia. The flower blooms directly from the branches without leaves, looking very beautiful with 5 white petals and yellow stamens. The Grand Magnolia has a gentle fragrance that spreads at night. Buddhist followers often pick the flowers and place them in water bowls for offering to Buddha.
Offering Magnolia Flower to Buddha on Lunar New Year
5. Lily Flower
Lily Flower is a flower used by Christians during Easter celebrations. Lily flowers usually have short stems, pure white petals, emit fragrance at night, and are favored by many for offering.
6. Daisy Flower
Daisies are considered a type of flower that many people use and offer to Buddha on Lunar New Year. Varieties of daisies such as white daisies, longevity daisies, giant daisies... these single-colored flowers represent solemnity in the place of worship and bring beauty and significance to the altar.
7. Peony Flower
Peony is a single-colored flower that grows in clusters at the end of branches, with colors ranging from yellow, white to red. Peony is also a type of flower used for offering to Buddha or placed on the altar with the meaning of bringing luck to the family.
Peony Flower for Buddha Offerings on Lunar New Year
With some types of flowers for offering to Buddha on Lunar New Year mentioned above, you can choose the most beautiful and suitable flowers to decorate your altar elegantly and meaningfully. Additionally, you can also explore other flowers placed on the altar to attract prosperity, or many useful information about various types of flowers. Stay tuned to apply the most convenient and reasonable solutions for your needs.
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