The house of the rural family is not only a simple refuge, but also an entity that carries society and culture, and is an important cornerstone of the continuation of the family and the harmony of the village. Traditional rural housing construction is not only a complex and costly project, but also contains rich cultural connotations and social philosophies. For a long time, many feng shui sayings about building houses have been formed among the people, which also incorporate the wisdom of building houses left by many ancestors.
There is an ancient saying that is widely spread in the countryside is "the house cannot be left alone, and the steps should not be left in pairs", so what is the deep meaning of this sentence in the construction of houses in rural areas?
This phrase literally means that an individual home should not be towering above the neighborhood. This is not only about respect and equality at the social level, but also about the harmony of the surrounding community.
First of all, a tall dwelling can lead to differences in social status between neighbors, which can provoke feelings of envy or resentment, which can affect the harmonious atmosphere of the entire community.
Secondly, buildings that are too tall can affect the natural light of the surrounding residences, reduce the amount of sunlight they intake, and thus reduce the quality of life of residents.
In addition, the aesthetics of the overall planning need to be taken into account. An abrupt tall house spoils the overall appearance of the village, like a discordant note that looks out of place in a symphony. The wisdom of building a house is not only about the quality of life of the individual, but also about the respect for the community as a whole and the natural environment.
This phrase is derived from the Feng Shui saying on the number of steps and occupies an important place in traditional Feng Shui. The singular number is regarded as a positive number, symbolizing a positive and energetic quality; Whereas, even numbers are considered negative numbers and carry passive or negative connotations. Under this traditional view, the singular steps are considered to be a more auspicious symbol.
Ancient notions of hierarchy are also reflected in the design of steps. The steps of important buildings such as royal families and official residences are often honored with nine, because nine is the largest yang number, while ordinary houses often recommend the use of three steps. This meticulous planning expresses respect for cultural traditions and historical customs, while at the same time making the design of the house in line with folklore and the philosophy of the unity of nature and man.
In rural areas, every house construction is an extension of the family tree, representing not only the existence of a family, but also the well-being of future generations. From site selection to design to construction, each step implies a reverence for nature, care for the neighborhood and a continuation of tradition.
Although some architectural practices may have elements of feng shui superstition, these wisdom experiences are worth learning from. They are not only historical legacies, but also indispensable guides for us in the construction of modern society.
Under the guidance of the wisdom of traditional rural house building, we can better respect community harmony, protect the natural environment, and pass on traditional culture, so that each rural house can become a strong support for the continuation of the family and the harmony of the village.
The above content represents personal views only and is for reference only).