Whenever luck is discussed, it’s impossible to ignore the role of feng shui (風水) in Chinese culture. Feng shui is the ancient Chinese practice of arranging one’s surroundings to promote balance and harmony, and to attract good luck and prosperity. It is believed that feng shui – aka Chinese geomancy – can impact a person’s life in significant ways, both positive and negative.
As a Chinese person, I can attest that our lives are more or less related to feng shui. While I am not religious and do not believe in fate and destiny, it is impossible for me to ignore feng shui (“wind-water”) in our daily lives. Certain practices which have been ingrained in my brain since I was young, such as placing the bed and living room in certain orders and using certain colours, are believed to bring good luck and positive energy to the family.
Moreover, it is almost like in our genes that we can detect some unlucky stuff and inappropriate things when we see them, which some of my non-Chinese friends feel normal about. For example, the number 4 is considered unlucky in Chinese culture because its pronunciation is similar to the word for “death.” It’s common to see buildings in China without a fourth floor, or with the number 4 omitted from room numbers. Some buildings even skip the 13th and 14th floors altogether, because the former is unlucky in Western tradition while the latter is in Chinese.
Similarly, certain shapes and designs are also believed to be unlucky in Chinese culture. For instance, sharp angles and corners are considered to create negative energy, while round shapes are believed to promote positive energy flow. It’s not uncommon to see buildings and furniture designed with rounded edges in China, as a means of promoting good luck and positive energy.
In addition, the Chinese believe that sharp objects, such as knives and scissors, can cut through positive energy and bring bad luck. As a result, it’s common to give a small amount of money or a symbolic gift, such as a piece of candy, in exchange for a sharp object. This is believed to “buy” the sharp object and prevent it from cutting through positive energy. As I am Chinese, and as scientific as I want myself to be, I still cannot avoid being uncomfortable when I see those practices being violated in daily life, even though it might be unintentional.
In conclusion, while some may dismiss feng shui as superstition, it remains an essential part of Chinese culture and daily life. By paying attention to our surroundings and incorporating feng shui principles into our homes and workplaces, we can attract positive energy and good luck into our lives. Whether or not one believes in fate and destiny, it’s impossible to ignore feng shui’s impact on our daily lives. Our ability to detect unlucky things and inappropriate designs seems to be a strong cultural trait passed down from generation to generation.
This undated photo downloaded from Taobao on Saturday shows a luo pan (羅盤) which is used for determining the orientation and layout of buildings and other structures.
