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Ngũ phúc lâm môn – a renowned blessing, originating from China and adopted into Vietnam for ages, yet few truly grasp its essence. Hence, in this article, Mytour will delve into the specific significance of this blessing.
What does Ngũ Phúc Lâm Môn entail?
Ngũ signifies 'five,' while Phúc denotes blessings and prosperity. Lâm means 'to arrive,' and Môn refers to 'door.' Hence, 'Ngũ phúc lâm môn' can be understood as 'five blessings arriving at one's doorstep.' But what are these five blessings?
According to Chinese tradition, the five blessings people always wish for their families are:
Longevity: Wishing for longevity means having a good destiny, avoiding premature death, and enjoying a long lifespan.
Wealth and Prosperity: Wealth and prosperity signify the desire for a materially abundant life, financial abundance, and esteemed social status.
Safety and Security: Wishing for safety and security entails wishing for robust health, freedom from illness, and spiritual tranquility.
Virtuous Conduct: 'Hảo' means good, and 'đức' refers to morality. Virtuous conduct embodies a kind and benevolent heart, characterized by tranquility and kindness. Virtuous conduct is paramount because morality is the root of blessings, and blessings are the result of cultivated morality. Only by keeping our hearts pure, leading a virtuous life, and being kind and compassionate can we nurture the other four blessings and make them grow stronger day by day.
Common Good: This is the most exceptional type of blessing. Until the end of life, one can depart lightly, peacefully, without bodily ailments, without inner worries or anxieties, and without entanglement in worldly matters.
A person leading a complete and happy life is one who gathers the 'five blessings' together. If one is lacking, it cannot be called true contentment. For example, there are those who are born wealthy but have a short life span, unable to enjoy their wealth fully. Conversely, there are those who live long lives but face poverty or illness... Hence, the 'five blessings' are the aspiration of many.
With this significance, people often use the phrase 'Ngũ Phúc Lâm Môn' to congratulate those who have acquired a new home, performed housewarming rituals, especially during the Lunar New Year.
Symbolism of Ngũ Phúc Lâm Môn
According to Western beliefs, bats often signify ominous signs, but for the Chinese, bats are considered auspicious creatures. They call bats 'phúc thử' (fortune mouse) because their appearance resembles that of a mouse. Hence, the symbol of the 'five blessings' is the image of a bat.
Similar to Vietnam, the Chinese also favor homophones. In Chinese characters, the word 'bức' (bat) and the word 'phúc' (happiness) are pronounced the same. Therefore, people believe that bats bring luck, prosperity, and success.
Chinese people often hang the word 'Phúc' upside down or draw bats upside down, symbolizing the arrival of blessings. 'Đáo phúc' means blessings have arrived.
Therefore, Ngũ Phúc Lâm Môn represents the five types of blessings that humans always desire. To attain these blessings, one must first keep their heart pure, oriented towards goodness, and compassionate. Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable insights.
