Some people say that living in a place facing the sea and blooming spring flowers is the most pleasant thing in life. But what would it be like if you were to live in a house facing the pond and backed by a high mountain? However, the saying "there is water in front of the house and a mound behind it, and ten people are worried about it" reveals a trace of worry, why does the way of building a house cause such a profound consideration? Throughout the ages, whether it is a dignitary or an ordinary farmer, they have always paid attention to the way of feng shui in the construction of mansion courtyards. How did the attention paid to building a house come about? This article will delve into the cultural connotation and architectural practice behind this saying, and reveal the mystery of feng shui for readers.
The southern region has a rainy and humid climate, and its living habits are different from those in the north. A small pond is commonly found in front of the farmhouse, which is called "Feng Shui Pond", which means "there is water in front of the house and a mountain behind the house". The pond water is not only convenient for daily life, but also enriches the ecological environment, implying the prosperity of future generations. The trees on the southern mountains are lush and evergreen all year round, and the mountain behind the house means that the back of the noble person is a harbinger of a successful career. People in the south are convinced of the housing pattern of "water in front of the house and mountains behind the house", and believe that such an environment can bring good luck and blessings.
The reason why "Feng Shui Pond" is favored is also because of the magical power of water. Water nurtures all things, makes life more active, and also brings agility and vitality to the home. According to folk legends, "there is water in front of the house, and there is a mountain behind the house" is not only a building layout, but also a kind of belief and expectation, which has been passed down from generation to generation and has become the yearning and pursuit of southerners for a better future.
In contrast, the northern region has a dry climate, with little rain and perennial drought. On hot summer days, rivers dry up, and the small pond in front of the door can become a stagnant pool of mosquitoes, flies and bacteria, making it unbearable for the occupants. At this time, if the house is built in front of such a pond, it will cause a lot of inconvenience and trouble. The northern mountains are mostly barren mountains, barren and arid, and the desolate mountains are prone to landslides, bringing potential safety hazards. Therefore, northerners are cautious about "having water in front of the house and a mound behind it" to avoid potential adverse effects of feng shui.
In the north, people value the stability and security of their homes more. They are willing to choose durable building materials and consider a well-thought-out drainage system to ensure that their homes remain safe and stable in the face of inclement weather. The similarities and differences between the pursuit of feng shui and the concept of building houses in the north and south reflect the diversity of regional cultures and differences in living habits.
(1) Southern Feng Shui beliefs
Feng Shui beliefs in the southern region have a long history, but they are still deeply rooted after years of baptism. Southerners attach great importance to the agility and vitality of water, associate water with life, and believe that water has the effect of warding off evil and driving away evil. Therefore, the house pattern of "water in front of the house and mountains behind the house" has become a symbol of their pursuit of auspiciousness and happiness.
In the southern countryside, people can often see green vegetables planted next to the small pond in front of the house, and domestic animals playing in the water by the water, a peaceful and peaceful scene. These feng shui layouts not only give life to the house, but also build an ideal state of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. Through their belief in Feng Shui, southerners continue a life attitude of respecting and revering nature, which makes their lives more colorful.
(2) Northern Feng Shui beliefs
In contrast, Feng Shui beliefs in the northern region are more focused on the safety and stability of the living environment. Northerners believed that houses should be built to be strong and durable, and to withstand external wind and rain. Therefore, the housing pattern of "water in front of the house and hills in the back" is not optimistic, and poor feng shui may lead to inconvenience and distress in residents' lives.
The northerners' attention to the feng shui of building houses is their industrious and simple attitude towards life. They pay attention to practical utility and practicality, and pay more attention to the actual living conditions of the house, rather than pursuing too much nihilistic imagination. The prudent attitude of northerners towards Feng Shui brings more security and security to their families, ensuring stability and harmony in life.
(1) Cultural traditions and modern life
With the development of society and the progress of the times, the traditional belief in Feng Shui has gradually faded in modern society. However, for the southern countryside, Feng Shui still carries family traditions and cultural heritage. People's respect and following of the traditional feng shui of "water in front of the house and mountains behind the house" reflects the cherishing and inheritance of history and culture, and injects a unique local flavor into the modern society.
In the process of urbanization, building groups are increasingly replacing traditional houses, and the feng shui layout is gradually moving away. However, some people of insight still attach importance to the influence of Feng Shui, and try to integrate traditional Feng Shui concepts into modern architectural design, so as to inject more cultural heritage and spiritual sustenance into the city. Architecture is not only a physical space, but also a symbol of cultural heritage and human emotion, and the integration of feng shui beliefs makes modern architecture more historical and spiritual.
(2) Pursue the balance between nature and ecology
The concept of "water in front of the house, mountain behind the house" constructed by Feng Shui coincides with the pursuit of natural protection and ecological balance in contemporary society. People are becoming more aware of the importance of the natural environment for life and the urgency of living in harmony with nature. The importance that Southerners place on water and mountains may provide a philosophy of life that seeks inward and respects nature for modern society.
Contemporary urban construction tends to be high-rise buildings, and the damage to the natural environment cannot be ignored. In this context, traditional Feng Shui beliefs may lead us to re-examine the relationship between nature and architecture, and strive to find a new concept of ecological architecture. Combining traditional wisdom and modern technology, it may be possible to create a more environmentally friendly and livable modern urban space, so that architecture is no longer an infringement of nature, but a part of harmonious coexistence with nature.
Feng Shui beliefs have a long history and are a unique part of traditional Chinese culture. In the south, "there is water in front of the house, and there is a mountain behind the house", and in the north, "there is water in front of the house and there is a hill behind the house", which contains rich and far-reaching cultural connotation and architectural wisdom. In modern society, Feng Shui belief may no longer be an indispensable part of life, but the spirit of respect and reverence for nature conveyed by it is worth pondering.
Architecture is not only a simple physical space, but also a cultural heritage and spiritual sustenance. The inheritance and continuation of traditional Feng Shui concepts can bring a cultural foundation and traditional support to modern society. At the same time, the combination of modern technology and ecological concepts makes the building provide a healthier and more sustainable living space for human beings while protecting nature and respecting ecology. The first class of architectural feng shui is not only a tribute to traditional wisdom, but also a reflection and exploration of future lifestyles. I hope that in the modern society, we can carry forward the past and forge ahead into the future, inherit the excellent cultural traditions, and create a better living environment.