In many Chinese homes, it’s common to decorate the living room with symbolic ornaments believed to bring good luck and fortune. These items are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also deeply rooted in the ancient philosophy of Feng Shui, a traditional Chinese practice that focuses on harmonizing the energy flow in living spaces.
If you’re wondering what items you can place in your living room to bring protection, prosperity, and a sense of balance, here are some of the most popular and auspicious Feng Shui decorations—along with what they symbolize and how to use them effectively.
🍐 Gourd (Hulu): A Symbol of Health and Blessings
In Chinese culture, the gourd (hulu) is considered a traditional talisman of good fortune. The word “hulu” sounds like “fu lu” (福禄), which means “blessings and prosperity.” Whether made from natural dried gourds or carved from jade or crystal, this item is believed to attract positive energy and protect the household.
- Black Obsidian Gourd: Offers both wealth attraction and protection against negative energy.
- Jade Gourd: Symbolizes smooth relationships and career success.
Place a gourd in your living room to invite blessings and maintain peace in your home.
🐸 Three-Legged Toad (Money Toad): The Wealth Bringer
Also known as the money toad or fortune frog, this mythical creature is a classic Feng Shui symbol of wealth. It’s usually depicted holding a coin in its mouth and sitting on a bed of treasure.
- Placement Tips:
- If the toad has a coin in its mouth, position it facing inward—symbolizing it’s bringing money into your home.
- If the mouth is empty, face it outward to invite money from the outside.
- Placing a coin in the mouth of an “empty” toad can switch it to a “money-bringing” mode.
This creature is also believed to dispel negative influences and protect against misfortune or deceit.
🐲 Pixiu: The Guardian of Wealth
The Pixiu is a mythical creature in Chinese folklore known for its ability to attract and protect wealth. Unlike the toad, the Pixiu has a more aggressive and guardian-like appearance—often resembling a winged lion or dragon.
- Placement: It should face the entrance (like a door or window) to “absorb” wealth energy from outside sources.
- Types:
- Male Pixiu: Traditionally said to attract wealth.
- Female Pixiu: Believed to safeguard and protect existing wealth.
Place it on the “wealth position” of your living room (a Feng Shui term referring to a key energy spot, usually diagonal to the front door). Regularly clean and bless your Pixiu to keep it spiritually “active.”
☁️ Ruyi Scepter: A Wish-Fulfilling Symbol
The Ruyi (literally “as you wish”) is a curved ceremonial scepter often seen in Chinese art and decor. It symbolizes authority, success, and the fulfillment of personal and professional goals.
- Placement Advice:
Place it in a quiet corner of your living room, avoiding noisy areas like hallways, bathrooms, or near windows.
This helps “concentrate” the good fortune energy and keeps it from dispersing.
It’s especially helpful for career growth, harmonious relationships, and leadership ambitions.
💰 Gold Ingots (Yuanbao): Symbol of Prosperity
These boat-shaped gold ingots were once a form of ancient Chinese currency and are now commonly used in Feng Shui as symbols of abundance and wealth.
- Where to Place:
Position them on the “wealth corner” of your living room or near financial-related areas (like an office desk or cash register if working from home).
Regular cleaning and mindful placement are key to keeping their symbolic power strong.
🌿 Lucky Green Plants: Natural Energy Boosters
Beyond decorative ornaments, indoor plants like Money Trees, Jade Plants, or Pachira Aquatica are believed to bring wealth and growth.
- Benefits:
- Purify the air
- Boost the natural energy flow
- Symbolize steady financial growth
Place them in well-lit areas of the living room where they can thrive. Avoid placing dying or artificial plants, as they may carry stagnant energy.
🐟 Aquariums: Flowing Water, Flowing Wealth
In Feng Shui, water is linked to wealth and vitality. A small fish tank or aquarium can serve as a moving water feature that attracts fortune and balances the home’s energy.
- Tips for Use:
- Choose a square or rectangular tank (avoid irregular shapes).
- Keep it clean and the water clear.
- Ensure the number of fish aligns with auspicious Feng Shui numbers (like 8 or 9).
Swimming fish symbolize the constant movement of energy and wealth, bringing dynamism and balance to the home environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you believe in Feng Shui as philosophy, tradition, or simply as beautiful symbolism, these items can bring intentionality and positive energy into your living space. More than superstition, Feng Shui is about creating harmony between people and their environments—and that’s something we can all benefit from.
