Basic Knowledge 02

Folk Feng Shui is an important part of traditional Chinese culture,
widely spread among people and deeply influencing life
everyday life, the layout of buildings, funeral customs and other aspects
of people. It not only represents the understanding and use of the environment
natural on the part of the people, but also reflects popular beliefs,
cultural customs and social psychology. Below is a summary of the
Overview of Folk Feng Shui:

1. Definition of Folk Feng Shui

Folk Feng Shui refers to the ideas and practices of Feng Shui
widely spread among ordinary people in China. It is an experience and
wisdom summarized by people in their daily lives. Unlike theories
official or academic Feng Shui, focuses more on practicality and
regionality, merging popular beliefs, traditional culture and customs
life.

2. Main content of folk Feng Shui

The content of folk Feng Shui is rich and varied, and includes the following:
aspects:

(1) Residential Feng Shui
Land selection : Ordinary people pay attention to "having
mountains behind and water in front", believing that the terrain must be
backed by mountains and facing the water to accumulate energy and
attract good fortune.
House layout : Focuses on the orientation of doors and
windows, the functional distribution of the rooms and the placement of
furniture. For example, the main door should not be in front of a
ladder, and the bed should not be in front of a mirror.
Architectural decoration : Symbolic patterns or objects are used
of good luck, as protective deities on the doors, the character "
"福" (happiness) and Bagua mirrors, to ward off evils and disasters.
(2) Feng Shui of graves
Burial Site Selection : It is believed that the Feng Shui of the
grave directly affects the fortune of future generations,
paying attention to the "dragon veins" and "energy points",
choosing high places with a good view.
Funeral rituals : During funerals, principles of
Feng Shui, how to choose auspicious days for burial and guidance
from the tombstone.
(3) Feng Shui in everyday life
Furniture placement : The position of beds, tables and wardrobes is
believes it affects the family fortune.
Festive customs : In traditional festivals such as New Year
Chinese and Qingming, people perform sacrifices and visit graves to
ask for good weather and family safety.
(4) Feng Shui in agricultural production
In agricultural societies, folk Feng Shui was also used
to guide production. For example, choosing auspicious days for
sowing or harvesting, or placing Feng Shui stones or trees in the
fields to ask for a good harvest.
3. Characteristics of folkloric Feng Shui

(1) High practicality
Folk Feng Shui is an experience summarized by people in their
daily life, with a strong practicality. It does not seek complex theories, but
that focuses on practical results.
(2) Obvious regionality
Due to the vast expanse of China and the differences in environment
natural and cultural traditions, folk Feng Shui shows
regional variations. For example, in the south, where there is a lot of water,
focuses on "accumulating energy"; in the north, where there are mountains,
emphasizes the "stability of the mountains."
(3) Fusion with popular beliefs
Folk Feng Shui is closely linked to beliefs
popular, fusing elements of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and
the worship of local deities. For example, amulets and charms are used
Bagua mirrors to ward off evils.
(4) Rich in symbolism
Folk Feng Shui is full of symbolism, such as dragons, phoenixes and
qilins, as well as symbols of "happiness, prosperity, longevity and
"joy" that express the desire for a better life.
4. Impact of Folk Feng Shui

(1) Impact on daily life
Folk Feng Shui profoundly influences the residential environment,
people's lifestyle and way of thinking. For example,
Many people consult Feng Shui principles when building, decorating
or move.
(2) Transmission of traditional culture
Folk Feng Shui is an important vehicle of traditional culture
China, transmitting the culture from generation to generation through
oral tradition and practices.
(3) Impact on social psychology
Folk Feng Shui reflects people's understanding of the
nature and society, as well as their search for happiness, security and
wealth. To a certain extent, it satisfies psychological needs and offers
spiritual comfort.
5. Modern meaning of folk Feng Shui
In modern society, folk Feng Shui still has some relevance.
influence. It is not only a cultural heritage, but also offers
wisdom for a harmonious coexistence with nature.
For example, in modern architectural design, some principles of
Feng Shui (such as ventilation, lighting and rational distribution) still
are widely applied.
At the same time, folk Feng Shui faces challenges from
Scientificization and modernization: How to inherit traditional culture
while removing superstitious elements to better serve the
modern society is a topic worth exploring.
Conclusion
Folk Feng Shui is an important part of popular culture.
China, which reflects the understanding and utilization of the natural environment by
part of the people, as well as cultural beliefs and customs.
Although in modern society some ideas of folk Feng Shui
may seem obsolete, the wisdom it contains and its search for
a better life still have important cultural value and meaning
practical.