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International Feng Shui Awareness Day is celebrated on April 8 every year. This is a traditional ancient Chinese practice that uses energy to harmonize people with their environment. Many people in Asia and the West believe in feng shui, and consult specialists hoping to improve their wealth, life, happiness, and family. Some will even turn to feng shui when building a house or making an important purchase. But what is feng shui exactly, and how does it work? International Feng Shui Awareness Day exists to help people understand this better.
International Feng Shui Awareness Day:
History:
It’s hard to say when feng shui originated, and there’s a lot of debate about it. Before the Chinese invented the compass as a tool for divination, feng shui was used in astronomy to try to find correlations between humans and the rest of the universe. According to the Yangshao and Hongshan cultures, the earliest known evidence of the use of feng shui was in 4000 B.C., as the doors of the houses in Banpo were aligned with the asterism ‘Yingshi,’ after the winter solstice, which made it possible for the houses to absorb heat through solar gain. Also, a grave at Puyang from around the same age that contains mosaics of a Chinese star map is oriented along a north-south axis; plus, the presence of both square and round shapes in the grave and Hongshan sites seem to suggest that the gaitian cosmography existed here before appearing in the Zhoubi Suanjing text.
The oldest instruments used for feng shui were liuren astrolabes (also known as ‘shi’), two-sided boards with astronomical sightlines that were used to determine the position and altitude of the stars, and for divination. The earliest shi were found inside tombs that date between 278 B.C. and 209 B.C. The markings on them are nearly identical to those found in the first magnetic compasses.
The magnetic compass was first invented as early as the Han Dynasty and Tang Dynasty, around 206 B.C. The traditional feng shui compass still used to this day is known as the ‘luopan,’ though even a common modern compass can be used as long as you understand the differences. The needle points at the south magnetic pole, not the geographical one, and a practitioner uses it to determine the precise direction of a structure, place, or item, and it contains many formulas and information regarding its functions.
How To Observe International Feng Shui Awareness Day:
Learn more about feng shui
You can check out the International Feng Shui Association’s website and social media, Wikipedia, or go to your local library to find out more about this ancient practice. Share the interesting things you learned with colleagues.
Visit a feng shui art exhibition
Feng shui is also used in paintings! Try to look for art galleries in your city that do exhibitions of traditional art. They might do a special exhibition for International Feng Shui Awareness Day.
Practice feng shui at home
Now that you know more about feng shui, why not give it a try? There are many simple guides for beginners on the internet. You can start small by simply changing the placements of some objects in your house, following the tips they give you, to make the energy around you more positive.
Important Facts:
It revolves around five elements
These are wood, fire, metal, earth, and water, with each of them able to improve different aspects of a person: wisdom for water, or creativity for wood.
‘Feng shui’ translates as ‘wind and water’
It’s said that both wind and water are the containers of the life force known as ‘chi’ or ‘qi’ — wind makes it move while water restrains it.
A palace was designed using feng shui
Beijing’s Forbidden City, designed using feng shui, has an artificial mountain behind it and two man-made rivers to the sides, while pairs of Guardian Lions protect the entrances.
Feng shui is restricted in China
During the Cultural Revolution, Mao Zedong’s government burned many books, and the practice of feng shui was made illegal; although this is no longer the case, public aversion remains strong, and some government officials who consulted feng shui were expelled.
American real estate developers have embraced it
In New York City, places such as the Baccarat Hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, the Setai Club, and Spa Wall Street were designed using feng shui principles.
Why International Feng Shui Awareness Day Is Important:
It encourages healthy habits at home
One example of those habits is decluttering your desk or entrance, cleaning frequently, or repainting your walls. Your home is a reflection of your inner self, so taking care of your surroundings has a positive impact on you.
It motivates us to learn more about other cultures
When you first hear about it, feng shui may seem strange and a bit inaccessible to you as a foreigner, but the community around it has made it easy to learn what it’s about and how to practice it. By simply reading about feng shui, you notice that you end up learning a good deal about ancient and modern Chinese culture, its geography, history, language, and more.
Good energy can improve one’s personal life
It is said that feng shui can improve wealth, happiness, longevity, and family. It teaches us to avoid negative energy as well. One recommendation is to not have electronics in your bedroom, as this produces electromagnetic pollution; besides, you may sleep better if you didn’t take your phone with you to your bed!
FAQs
What is Feng Shui day?
International Feng Shui Awareness Day occurs on April 8th, a 3,500 years old Chinese practice that uses energy forces to harmonize people with their surrounding environment. It celebrates the fascinating principles of arranging living spaces to enhance humans wellbeing. The words “feng shui” mean “wind-water”.
Can Feng Shui decoration really improve the energy in my space?
Yes, Feng Shui decoration can significantly improve the energy in your space. By following the principles of Feng Shui, you create a balanced and harmonious environment that promotes the flow of positive energy. It can have a positive impact on various aspects of your life, including your overall well-being, relationships, and success.
What are some simple ways to incorporate Feng Shui decoration?
Incorporating Feng Shui decoration doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by decluttering your space and creating a clean and organized environment. Introduce elements of nature, such as plants or natural materials, to bring in positive energy. Pay attention to the placement of furniture and ensure it allows for easy movement and energy flow. Finally, choose colors and lighting that align with the desired energy of each room.
Can I apply Feng Shui decoration in any space, regardless of its size?
Absolutely! Feng Shui principles can be applied to spaces of any size, from small apartments to large houses or offices. The key is to adapt the principles to the specific characteristics and needs of each space. By understanding the fundamental principles, you can create a harmonious environment regardless of the size or layout.
Are there any Feng Shui decoration practices I should avoid?
While Feng Shui offers valuable guidelines, it’s essential to adapt them to your personal preferences and cultural background. Avoid blindly following strict rules, and trust your intuition when it comes to decorating your space. Additionally, be mindful of your own energy and how it interacts with your environment. Experiment and find what works best for you.
Can Feng Shui decoration enhance my overall well-being?
Yes, Feng Shui decoration has the potential to enhance your overall well-being. By creating a harmonious and balanced environment, you can experience improved physical, emotional, and mental well-being. A well-designed space can promote relaxation, creativity, and a sense of purpose, positively impacting various aspects of your life.
Should I consult a Feng Shui expert for my decoration project?
While consulting a Feng Shui expert can provide valuable insights and personalized guidance, it is not necessary for every decoration project. With a basic understanding of the principles, you can begin implementing Feng Shui decoration in your space. Trust your instincts and experiment with different elements to create a space that resonates with you.
