In addition to aesthetic factors, home decoration for Tet also brings many spiritual meanings. The following are feng shui concepts when decorating the house during Tet to welcome fortune in the new year.
Hang red lanterns to ward off bad luck
In many Vietnamese families, red lanterns are used to decorate homes during the traditional Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.
During the Lunar New Year, it is not uncommon to see red lanterns hanging from trees or in front of houses. According to the concept, hanging red lanterns in front of the house is believed to ward off bad luck.
Hang couplets in front of the house as a New Year’s greeting
Tet couplets are often pasted on doors during Tet. The couplets show New Year wishes or good sayings.
Tet couplets should be hung in pairs because according to the feng shui house concept of Asians, even numbers represent luck and good things. Coupled sentences are usually calligraphy works written in black ink on red paper.
Each line of a couplet is usually 7 or 9 words. The content of the couplet can be a beautiful poem regarding spring or what the owner wishes for in the new year. In addition, homeowners can paste a 4-word idiom regarding good wishes on the crossbar of the door frame.
Stick the paper on the door for good luck and happiness
When decorating their homes for the New Year, many homeowners stick paper on the glass windows with the hope of a new year of good luck and happiness. The image on the sticker is usually the mascot of the year or the tree that denotes its meaning.
For example: Peach fruit symbolizes longevity; pomegranate represents the path of children; peonies signify honor and wealth; The pine tree represents longevity.
Hanging pictures instead of wishes
New Year’s pictures are often hung on doors or on walls for decorative purposes and instead of wishes. The images in the paintings are often mythical figures or trees that represent auspiciousness.
Display kumquats in the house to pray for wealth and luck
In Cantonese, the kumquat tree is called “gam gat sue”. The word “gam” means “gold”, and the word “gat” means “good luck”.
From the above meaning, many homeowners put kumquat trees in their homes during Tet to pray for wealth and luck in the new year.
Kumquat is a very popular plant, placed indoors during the Lunar New Year, especially in Cantonese-speaking regions of southern China such as Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong and Guangxi.
Prosperous New Year with blooming flowers
The Lunar New Year signals the beginning of spring, so many families decorate their homes with blooming flowers. The image of blooming flowers symbolizes the arrival of spring as well as wishes for a happy and prosperous new year.
Some popular flowering plants are displayed at home during the traditional Lunar New Year such as apricot flowers, orchids, peonies, peaches, etc.
Huong Quynh
