Have you ever wondered why a fresh bouquet of flowers elicits such feelings of joy? Is it the scent? Is it the colour of the flowers? According to Feng Shui symbolism, both the beauty and the flowers themselves symbolize good luck. Furthermore, flowers possess positive energy and have powerful healing qualities.

Pretty amazing considering the flower itself has a relatively short life span. In fact, this very characteristic is itself part of its appeal. Flowers teach us to live in the moment; “the incredible fragile beauty of a flower is not everlasting, it transforms itself into a different form with the passing of time”.

Symbols, according to the ancient art and science of Feng Shui, have both purpose and meaning. They can be used as tools to create balance and harmony in our surroundings. The practice of Feng Shui can be divided into two main goals: the maximizing of positive energy or chi, and the promotion of prosperity, health and happiness.

Feng Shui symbolism is both simplistic and complex. As mentioned previously, a bouquet of fresh flowers symbolizes good luck. However, specific flowers have specific meanings and choosing which ones to display in your home or workplace should be done with purpose.

Peony

Peonies are used in Feng Shui as a general cure for love and romance. Staying true to form though, there are specific details to be considered as peonies vary in colour, and each colour has a specific symbolism. For example, displaying a vase of pink peonies, especially in the living room, symbolizes the desire of a single person to marry.

Pink is associated with romance. It is a mixture of red and white and therefore derives qualities from both of these colours. Red symbolizes carnal passion, love and romance, while white symbolizes purity, innocence, hope and openness. By displaying pink peonies, they invoke innocence, purity, hope and carnal love.

Lotus

The lotus symbolizes ultimate perfection, mostly due to the plant’s origins. A lotus grows in shallow, murky water with the roots firmly in mud. The bloom of the plant never touches this dirty water however, as it grows on a long stem, reaching far out of the water. Thus the lotus’ symbolism is one of purity, beauty and wealth, and displaying it promotes a harmonious home.

In Chinese medicine, every part of the lotus plant, from roots to petals, has a medical use. This makes the plant an even stronger Feng Shui symbol for promoting a healthy home.

Cherry blossoms

Flowering branches, such as cherry blossoms, symbolize overcoming adversity. These branches often bloom in winter or in early spring and therefore, represent the ability to overcome obstacles. Displaying them in your home or workplace brings the energy of new beginnings. As these blooms symbolize a fresh start, they can be used as a love or marriage cure, or as a cure for health related issues or for problems at work.

Orchid

The original symbol of the orchid was fertility. More recently however, the orchid has come to symbolize the quest for perfection, due to the natural symmetry of the flower itself. This can be used in any area of a person’s life including marriage, health and career. Once again, the colour of both the flower and the pot it is placed in have significance.

This plant has the distinct advantage of naturally occurring in many hues; therefore, the colour should be chosen with purpose. A pink or orange orchid for instance, will bring love or creativity, and a white flower will bring clarity and a sense of peace.

Narcissus

This flower symbolizes renewal and fresh energy as it too blooms in the early spring. It is used for good luck, especially in regards to career goals. It is believed to help someone receive the proper rewards due to them through hard work. The narcissus is a bulb flower, and along with other bulb flowers such as tulips, they are said to inspire greater wealth and are considered to be quite auspicious.

Once again, the colour of the flower should be chosen with purpose. For example, if you are visiting someone who is not well, white narcissus should be given for healing properties and new beginnings, and for someone starting a new career, purple flowers would be suitable as they are said to promote wealth chi.

Chrysanthemum

The symbolism of the chrysanthemum is the energy of happiness and joy. The colour and shape of the blooms represent the sun and are thought to bring into your home the happy, life-giving energy of its symbol. This plant can also symbolize a life of ease and balance and can be used to attract good luck to you and your home, especially when placed in the front entryway.

Additionally, as chrysanthemums symbolize happiness, they are considered to be a cure for feelings of anxiety and stress. By placing them in your home or workplace, they can promote positivity and optimism. Feng Shui symbols have both purpose and meaning, and the use of flowers throughout a home or workplace should be done with care.

Both the specific type and colour of each flower has specific uses and cures. However, flowers themselves, simply by being alive, bring a specific energy. While pictures of flowers will symbolize the specific desired feeling or emotion, dried flowers will not.

When selling or staging a home, flowers placed within the space can be used as symbolism for good luck, happiness, and positive energy. Potential homeowners’ first impressions could be enhanced by the strategic placement of specific blooms.

“Think of flowers as the way a plant smiles – and those smiles create happy feelings for visitors to your home or prospective buyers”.