Feng shui, pronounced "fung shway," is an ancient Chinese practice of positioning objects in a person's environment in hopes that he can achieve maximum harmony. Literally translated as "wind and water," feng shui operates on the principles of chi, yin and yang, and the five elements. It is often referred to as the art of placement, and some people believe that by using feng shui decorating in their homes and workplaces, they can greatly improve their lives.
It is said that there are an extraordinary number of rules and principles associated with feng shui decorating. A number of books have been written on the subject, and there are even self-professed feng shui experts who claim that they can turn an individual's life around simply by painting rooms and arranging furniture. While it can be quite complicated and confusing to some, there are a few basic feng shui principles. Clutter-free surroundings, free-flowing energy, and the placement of windows and doors are some of the basic rules when it comes to feng shui decorating.
Dating back at least 3,500 years, feng shui is centuries old. In ancient times, important buildings and homes were placed according to feng shui principles. Often times, before the invention of the magnetic compass, natural environmental factors were used, including the placement of bodies of water and the position of the stars.
According to the Chinese, chi is the vital energy that is present among all objects and living things. In feng shui decorating, achieving a perfectly balanced chi is one of the primary goals. Achieving this balance is thought to bring peace, harmony, prosperity, and good fortune to the individuals in that environment. The principles of yin and yang, and the five elements are used in environments to balance the chi in a certain space.
Yin and yang are the harmonizing factors of the universe, according to the ancient Chinese, and they are represented by the colors black and white, respectively. Yin can not exist without yang, and yang can not exist without yin. Although they are two completely opposite forces, they are completely dependent upon one another.
The five elements are wood, fire, earth, water, and metal. Each element is represented by a different color, and when following the principles of feng shui decorating, these colors can be used to balance each other to achieve perfect harmony. If these elements are out of balance, it is said to cause chaos and disorder in a person's life.
While feng shui decorating is an ancient practice, it has recently gained popularity throughout the world. Many modern individuals practice the art of feng shui interior decorating, believing that it can improve certain areas of their lives. These days, it is not uncommon to find homes or offices decorated in feng shui style.