Numbers, Colors, Plants, and Ornamental Fish
If you visit a Chinese home and pay attention to the arrangement of the house and the use of decorative items, you will notice certain Feng Shui principles applied, from choosing numbers and colors to planting trees and keeping ornamental fish.
Lucky Numbers
In Feng Shui, each number holds specific meanings related to career and business. Everyone has their lucky and unlucky numbers. Chinese people pay special attention to numbers such as phone numbers, house numbers, vehicle numbers, and account numbers, and they avoid using unlucky numbers in their business dealings.
In Hong Kong, the number 8 is considered lucky. For phone numbers, credit card numbers, and account numbers, Hong Kong residents prefer to have 8 at the end, believing it will bring financial prosperity. If the number 8 is preceded by 6, 7, 8, or 9, it is thought to double the fortune.
The Chinese believe that 8 is one of the luckiest numbers and therefore prefer to have this number in license plates, house numbers, and other significant numbers.
Besides 8, the numbers 1, 6, and 9 are also considered lucky. If these numbers are preceded by 4, they are believed to bring even more luck. Among them, 9 is especially lucky because multiplying 9 by any number results in a sum that eventually adds up to 9 (for example, 9 x 4 = 36, and 3 + 6 = 9). Additionally, the number 9 symbolizes completeness and fulfillment of heaven (Tian) and earth (Di).
The number 4 is considered the unluckiest because its pronunciation is similar to the word for “death” (si). Therefore, any sequence ending in 4 is highly avoided. Other unlucky numbers based on the Flying Stars include 5, 2, and any sequence where 2 and 3 appear together. However, some people consider 2 to be a good number because it symbolizes ease and smoothness.
Colors and Fortune
In Feng Shui, black symbolizes water, while white represents gold or metal. Black should not be used for ceilings or roofs because black above one’s head is considered inauspicious. It is also advisable not to use black rugs or paint walls black.
You can paint walls and ceilings white because white is a Yang color (opposite of black, which is Yin) and symbolizes prosperity. Some people believe that white represents mourning, but pure white does not carry this meaning. Mourning colors are sashes, off-white, ivory, or grayish white. These colors are Yin, whereas bright white is Yang.
Painting the walls and ceiling of an office in white is very favorable. Then, you can decorate with red, green, and blue according to the compass directions (with white walls).
Red is associated with the South direction. Painting the South wall red will attract wealth. Additionally, warm peach pink in the South and West is also beneficial. This color can be used for wallpaper, curtains, rugs, and all office decorations.
Green symbolizes money. Therefore, activating the Southeast direction will be very effective. This color can also be used in the East. Bright green represents spring and new growth. You can use artificial plants with bright green leaves in the office to attract smooth cash flow.
Blue represents water. This color is very effective in the East, Southeast, and North corners of the office. However, avoid overusing blue, as too much water can have adverse effects.
Planting in the Southeast
Plants work very well in the Southeast corner of an office. Whether you are oriented towards the West or East, activating the Southeast corner can enhance financial energy. This corner symbolizes Minor Wood, which is valued more than Major Wood. Minor Wood is represented by small, green plants.
Using artificial plants may be better than dry plants, and it is preferable to choose plants with round, broad leaves.
Displaying an oak tree symbol (especially if it has acorns) in the Southeast corner of the office can bring success and prosperity to your work.
Avoid plants with sharp thorns, particularly cacti, in the office. In Feng Shui, cactus thorns emit negative energy that accumulates over time, leading to many unfavorable conditions in business and work. However, placing cacti in the garden or outside the gate can have positive effects.
Keeping Arowana Fish
In Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, people are familiar with the unique traits of Arowana fish and keep this type of fish frequently. They consider it a Feng Shui fish. Its scales are silver with a hint of pink, symbolizing wealth. Arowanas can grow up to 90 cm in length.
Arowanas are considered wealth-bringing fish. Feed them live food like water shrimp and small fish to help them grow and develop many pink scales that attract wealth.
In an entrepreneur’s office, it is beneficial to keep an Arowana fish. There is no need to decorate the aquarium with plants, gravel, or sand. The Arowana will eat whatever it finds. Feed it live food or small fish to ensure its rapid growth and valuable pink scales. If you use prepared fish food, choose the best quality. Unhealthy fish do not bring luck. Place the aquarium in the North, East, or Southeast of the office. Since Arowanas can grow quite large, consult fishkeeping books on setting up aquariums to ensure a successful setup and positive results.