The Meaning Behind Popular Feng Shui Symbols in Filipino Homes

Have you ever stepped into a Filipino home and noticed a Laughing Buddha by the door, a small fountain in the living room, or a pair of lion statues guarding the entrance—and wondered what they mean?

Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of harmonizing one’s surroundings to enhance energy flow, has become a deeply ingrained tradition in many Filipino homes. While it traces its origins to China thousands of years ago, the Philippines has embraced it in a uniquely local way.

Historical records show that long before the Spanish colonization, Chinese traders frequently visited Philippine shores to exchange silk, porcelain, and spices. Along with goods, they brought cultural traditions, including Feng Shui principles. Early Chinese settlers in Binondo and other trade hubs passed these beliefs down through generations, and over time, many Filipino families—regardless of ethnic background—adopted them.

Today, it’s not unusual to see a crucifix hanging above a doorway alongside a Bagua mirror, or a small altar with both a Laughing Buddha and a statue of the Virgin Mary. This blending of traditions reflects the Filipino knack for merging different influences into a harmonious whole.

The relationship between the Philippines and China is centuries old. Long before Spanish galleons connected Manila to Mexico, Chinese junks were docking in ports like Cebu, Manila, and Vigan. Alongside trade goods came beliefs, customs, and design philosophies.

Chinese settlers built homes based on Feng Shui principles, carefully considering where doors, windows, and altars should be placed to invite good fortune. Over generations, these practices began to merge with Filipino architectural styles and Catholic traditions.

Today, you’ll see Feng Shui influences in high-rise condominiums, modern bungalows, and ancestral homes alike. Many Filipinos, even without Chinese heritage, turn to Feng Shui for guidance on creating a peaceful and prosperous household.

At its core, Feng Shui is about balance—aligning the flow of Qi (energy) so that it benefits health, relationships, and prosperity. The philosophy relies on the harmony of the five elements:

• Wood – growth and vitality
  
  

• Fire – passion and energy
  
  

• Earth – stability and grounding
  
  

• Metal – clarity and focus
  
  

• Water – abundance and flow
  
  

For many Filipino homeowners, Feng Shui isn’t just a set of rules; it’s a way of respecting the space they live in. By arranging furniture, choosing colors, and displaying certain symbols, they create an environment that “feels right.” Whether they believe in the mystical side or simply value the psychological boost it brings, the result is a home that feels intentional and inviting.

The Laughing Buddha’s smiling face and round belly make him one of the most recognizable symbols of happiness and wealth. In the Filipino context, he often sits near the entrance to greet guests and “invite” luck into the home.

It’s common for family members to rub the Buddha’s belly before heading out for work or travel, a gesture believed to attract blessings for the day. His placement in the foyer or living room is also meant to encourage harmony within the household.

The dragon and phoenix represent the yin and yang of relationships: masculine strength and feminine grace. Together, they symbolize marital bliss, mutual respect, and balanced partnership.

Filipino couples often display these symbols in their bedroom to strengthen their bond or as wedding gifts to wish newlyweds a harmonious union. In some homes, you’ll see them as part of wall art, blending seamlessly with modern interior styles.

Despite its name, Lucky Bamboo is not bamboo but a resilient dracaena plant. In Feng Shui, it’s a living symbol of vitality, perseverance, and good fortune.

Filipino homeowners usually arrange Lucky Bamboo in glass containers with water and smooth stones, placing them in the east or southeast areas of the home to promote growth and prosperity. The number of stalks also matters—three for happiness, five for health, and eight for wealth.

These round coins with a square hole in the middle are tied together with red ribbon, combining the elements of earth (square) and heaven (circle). They are among the most popular Feng Shui charms for attracting wealth.

In the Philippines, you’ll often see them hanging behind doors, tucked into cash boxes, or even placed inside wallets. Business owners might place them near the cash register to encourage a steady stream of customers and income.

Fu Dogs, also known as guardian lions, stand in pairs at entrances to ward off negative energy. The male lion guards a sphere, representing protection of the home, while the female holds a cub, symbolizing nurturing and care.

Even in modern Filipino subdivisions and gated communities, you’ll find miniature Fu Dogs by apartment doors or on console tables near the entrance—modern adaptations of an ancient tradition.

The Bagua mirror is a protective symbol used to deflect harmful energy. Octagonal in shape with a mirror at its center, it’s usually placed outside, above the front door, facing the source of negative influence.

In Filipino homes, it’s not uncommon to see a Bagua mirror blessed with holy water before installation. This combination of Feng Shui and Catholic practices shows how spiritual traditions can coexist in daily life.

Water represents wealth in Feng Shui, and a fountain’s flowing water symbolizes a steady inflow of prosperity. The sound of trickling water also creates a calming atmosphere.

Many Filipino families place small fountains near the main entrance or in the living room, ensuring the water flows inward rather than outward—symbolizing that wealth enters and stays in the home.

As urban life grows busier and living spaces shrink, Filipinos have found creative ways to keep Feng Shui alive. In small condos, traditional items like large Fu Dogs are replaced with miniature figurines or decorative paintings of dragons and phoenixes.

Some younger homeowners use mobile apps to check auspicious directions for placing their bed or desk. Developers even promote Feng Shui-friendly floor plans to attract buyers who believe a home’s layout influences success.

These adaptations prove that Feng Shui culture in the Philippines is not static—it evolves to fit the times while keeping its core values intact.

• Entrance: Place the Laughing Buddha facing the main door to welcome good luck.
  
  

• Living Room: Position Lucky Bamboo where it receives gentle light.
  
  

• Bedroom: Display Dragon and Phoenix art for relationship harmony.
  
  

• Workspace: Keep Chinese coins under your desk for financial growth.
  
  

• General Rule: Avoid clutter, as stagnant energy can block good fortune.
  
  

One common mistake is placing water features in the bedroom, which is said to disrupt rest and relationships. Another is keeping broken or chipped symbols—these are believed to weaken the positive energy they’re meant to bring.

Feng Shui’s influence in Filipino homes is more than decorative—it’s a reflection of values: harmony, family, resilience, and the hope for a better tomorrow. Whether it’s a humble bamboo plant on a windowsill or an elaborate pair of guardian lions at the gate, each symbol carries a story, a wish, and a connection to centuries of cultural exchange.

Even in the modern age, Feng Shui remains relevant because it addresses something universal—the desire to live in a space that nurtures and protects. And in the Philippines, where tradition and innovation often walk hand in hand, that desire is as strong as ever.