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Many wealthy families pay special attention to the arrangement of their ancestral altars, believing that every detail of feng shui not only reflects reverence but also directly influences the family's wealth, blessings, and prosperity.

Flower vases are a familiar and indispensable item on ancestral altars, especially on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, holidays, and anniversaries. Offering flowers not only makes the worship space more solemn and clean but also expresses the filial piety and gratitude of descendants towards their ancestors and elders.
 

Wealthy people often place flower vases on the left side of the altar when offering incense. Why is that?

According to folk beliefs, fresh flowers carry the vitality of heaven and earth, symbolizing purity, a good beginning, and positive energy. When present on the altar, flowers are believed to attract good fortune and wealth, while also conveying wishes for peace and protection for the family. However, not everyone knows the correct way to place flower vases according to feng shui principles.

In reality, many families who prioritize rituals – especially wealthy ones – are very meticulous in arranging their altars. They believe that a harmonious arrangement not only shows respect but also influences the long-term well-being of the family.

According to folk beliefs, fresh flowers carry the vitality of heaven and earth, symbolizing purity, auspicious beginnings, and positive energy.

Following the traditional principle of "east vase, west fruit," if the altar only displays one flower vase, it should be placed on the east side, that is, the left side of the altar (when viewed from inside), while the fruit platter should be placed on the west side. This arrangement is based on the natural law: the sun rises in the east and sets in the west; trees bloom before bearing fruit. Following nature is considered to be in harmony with heaven and earth, signifying prosperity and good fortune.

Furthermore, for altars facing south, placing the flower vase on the left allows the fragrance to easily spread with the east or southeast wind, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere for the worship space.

If using two flower vases, they are usually placed symmetrically on either side of the altar, while the fruit tray is placed in the center, in front of the incense burner. This arrangement creates a harmonious and complete altar, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and preserving the feng shui meaning and spiritual value of offering flowers.

In addition to placing the flower vases correctly, homeowners should also pay attention to arranging other worship items harmoniously, such as the three-piece (or five-piece) set, offering tray, incense holder, etc., to create a unified, solemn, and serene overall atmosphere for the worship space.

For altars with limited space, especially wall-mounted altars, only one vase of flowers and one incense holder should be placed, symmetrically on either side. Placing too many vases not only fails to enhance auspicious energy but also makes the altar look cluttered, cramped, and disproportionate to other religious objects.

Vases used on altars should preferably be made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass; avoid using metal vases such as copper or iron. Flowers offered should have a gentle fragrance, an elegant appearance, be free of thorns, and neatly trimmed, ensuring both spiritual significance and maintaining a safe and dignified worship space.