China and the Philippines have a long history of friendship. Consider the almost 400-year-old Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, which is located in the Philippines. They have shared inter-ethnic interactions, territorial disputes, maritime conflicts, diplomacy and foreign policy, commerce, and economic alliances throughout their lengthy history. China has had dealings with Filipinos since before the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines. It’s no surprise that we Filipinos have adopted some of their practices, which we have instilled in our own Filipino culture.
The Filipino-Chinese link became stronger throughout time, and we continue to appreciate both nations’ unique cultural ties to this day. We can’t dispute that Chinese traditions are deeply established in our society. We gained influences that have become part of our daily life, ranging from cuisine and clothes to superstitions and customs. Therefore, let us investigate certain Chinese cultures that Filipinos adopted, focusing on superstitions relating to home and Feng Shui.
- Doors Should Not Be Facing Each Other
The most famous Chinese culture in the Philippines concerning the home that a lot of Filipinos have adopted is that doors should not be faced with each other. Do you have two doors that face each other and are curious about how this affects the flow of energy in your home? Door alignment is significant in Feng Shui since it is supposed to alter the energy within the house. Furthermore, the incorrect placement of doors might bring ill luck and cause disputes among the residents.
It is not acceptable in Feng Shui to have two doors facing each other. When two or more doors face each other, negative energy, also known as “Sha Chi,” can be generated. This door alignment, according to Feng Shui, might cause a lot of conflicts or unhappiness in the household. This is particularly true for the two family members who share the rooms.
- Coins in Foundations
You’ve probably heard of ancient houses being dismantled only to find antique coins embedded in the foundations. This is similar to the “Money Tree” idea and the notion of reaping what you sow. The construction foundations are compared to the roots of trees, and coins are planted within or beneath them for the structure to generate fruit in the form of a large return on investment in the future.
It is said that placing loose money or religious objects inside the foundation will bring good luck. It is thought that incorporating St. Benedict’s Medals into each foundation can protect against disaster. Burying the medallion of St. Joseph, the carpenter, in the Bible accomplishes the same thing.
- Stair Steps Should Not Be Divisible by Three
Enter a Filipino home with a staircase and begin chanting “Oro (gold), Plata (silver), Mata (death),” one step higher with each phrase. When you reach the top level, the chant will most likely conclude with either Oro or Plata. This is because many Filipinos will go to considerable measures to avoid ending in Mata, which represents bad luck. The previous two words, on the other hand, clearly suggest good fortune.
In addition, the stairs should always turn right, as that is the correct course. This idea is most applicable to the marriage connection which is present as one of the Chinese cultures that Filipinos adopted. Infidelity is represented in the opposite direction. It should be noted that the “kaliwete” (left-handed) spouse is referred to in the vernacular.
- A Round Dining Table Is Preferred Over A Rectangular One
A circular table implies endless riches. There is no beginning and no finish to the circle form. The chi energy flows down the table’s edge and laps around it repeatedly. This is a very lucky shape for a dining table. When you position a lazy Susan in the center of the circular table, you may add a layer of amazing abundance. This raises the food, which is then passed around in a second circle as family members serve their plates. This results in the most auspicious dining table ever.
- Headboard Should Be Placed Against A Solid Wall
Another Chinese culture in the Philippines that Filipinos considered is that the bed’s head should be secured against a solid wall. This signifies you are supported from behind. I know that may sound obvious, but I’ve seen beds with the headboard in the middle of the room, or even the entire bed floating in the middle of the room. Always keep in mind that you want the support of a wall behind you. Second, if feasible, avoid windows behind the head of the bed. This is especially crucial if you live on the first level or have vision problems. It is preferable to have a strong wall behind you.
- Bathroom in the Center of a House
The restroom should not be in the heart of the home since mephitis will spread throughout the house, causing a variety of problems such as cardiovascular and stomach sickness. Again, because the Tai qi is at the core of your house and impacts all other aspects of your life, it’s critical to pay attention to what’s going on there. Because bathrooms are where the energy drains, having one here is not ideal. Plants, on the other hand, can boost the energy in the Tai qi. Plants also symbolize the wood element, which will assist to absorb part of the water energy going downwards in the bathroom, much like a tree soaking rainwater. If your bathroom lacks windows, you may select a very realistic-looking artificial plant or artwork with green plant images. Otherwise, an actual plant is preferable!
- No Mirrors Facing the Bed
One of the most common Chinese cultures that Filipinos adopted is avoiding mirrors to face in bed. The mirror is an excellent addition to any bedroom. It boosts your confidence, makes you feel good about yourself, and aids in your preparation for the day. There are, however, reasons why you should not have a mirror facing your bed.
- Depletion of Personal Energy. Mirrors have the disadvantage of reflecting on what is going on around them, which takes your attention away from you. When you gaze in the mirror, you are taking in all of the bad things that are going on around you while disregarding what your body is telling you. For example, it may require rest or relaxation, as well as food or drink.
- Causing Sleep Deprivation. One of the most prevalent causes of sleeplessness, according to doctors, is having a mirror opposite your bed. It might be tough for the brain to turn off and sleep if you catch yourself or other motions in the mirror. This can result in difficulties such as “sleep paralysis”, a condition that leads sufferers to feel as if they are in a state between sleeping and awake. It can create breathing difficulties and even hallucinations in which they believe someone or something is attempting to communicate with them. Having a mirror opposite you in bed is also terrible Feng Shui and may result in sleepwalking. Sleep paralysis might result in a sleepwalking episode.
- No Beams or Heavy Things Above the Bed
The space above your bed should be devoid of beams, soffits, or slanted ceilings for the optimum Feng Shui location. These architectural characteristics above the bed might put undue strain on the body. If it is inevitable, draping cloth to cover the ceiling feature is an option. If it is not a huge beam or soffit, it may be easy to simply paint the feature the same color as the ceiling. This makes the regions with lowered ceilings less oppressive.
The Chinese culture in the Philippines has a major influence and contribution to our Filipino culture. From culinary arts to superstitions, lifestyle, and even our homes, it has come a long way that a lot of us were able to adopt and live with it. Moreover, do consider taking note of the Feng Shui: Chinoy Style practices mentioned above to know how to avoid the negative energy entering your home. Start by investing in Bria Homes by purchasing an affordable house and lot. Pag IBIG housing loan, OFW investment, and pre-selling houses and lots for sale are offered for you and your family which will surely fulfill your housing demands as you apply your Feng Shui practices. Visit our website https://www.bria.com.ph/ to see our house models and to learn more about our current promotions!
Written by: Jennifer Rose S. De la Cruz
