Chinese Good Luck Symbols and Their Feng Shui Meanings - List

In need of a boost in luck?

The Chinese culture is rich with symbols and charms that can bring people good luck. In fact, many of the most powerful good luck charms feature a Chinese lucky sign. 

If you’re looking for a particular symbol to enhance your wealth, health, career, relationships, or other aspects of life, read on.

In this list, we’ll take a look at the most popular Chinese good luck symbols and their meanings in feng shui.

By the end of this post, you’ll learn how you can use these feng shui symbols to enhance your way of living.

 

 

What are Chinese Good Luck Symbols?

Chinese good luck symbols are used to create harmonious environments to enhance the quality of life. Rooted from ancient feng shui, they are designed to keep the balance in the energies around us.

Each symbol is unique and is used to bring good luck in specific areas of life, including:

• Health and the Center
• Family and New Beginnings
• Wealth and Prosperity
• Love, Marriage, and Relationships
• Fame and Reputation
• Career and Life Path
• Knowledge, Wisdom, and Self-Cultivation
• Children and Creativity
• Helpful People and Travel

These feng shui symbols come in many forms. You’ll find written Chinese characters, statues of mythical creatures, and animal charms frequent local homes. From crystals to plants, feng shui followers also harness the energy of nature to improve their luck. Colors and numbers play a crucial role too in inviting good energy.

Throughout the years, many of these symbols have made a mark around the world. They are often associated with the feng shui bracelet meaning.

If you’re looking to improve aspects of your life, we listed down the feng shui symbols that will attract the energy you need below.

ALSO READ: How to Attract Good Luck and Wealth in 2023

 

Pinyin - Lucky Chinese Characters

In feng shui, Chinese characters are widely believed to bless homes and establishments with good luck, abundance, and harmony.

You’ll find these symbols virtually everywhere, especially in the Chinese New Year. They appear in calligraphy, paintings, sculptures, Chinese good luck bracelet, charms, and even tattoos.

Each character has its unique meanings, and we rounded up the most common symbols below.

 

(福) Fú - Chinese Character for Luck

Fu is considered the ultimate good luck symbol in feng shui. The character combines two radicals which mean “gift from God” and “abundance and wealth.” It is said that hanging the calligraphy of Fu on a red paper brings the blessing of luck.

 

(禄) Lù - Chinese Character for Wealth and Prosperity

Lùxīng is the god of career advancement in Chinese legends. Displaying his symbol is said to help you with your job, which leads to enhanced wealth.

 

(寿) Shòu - Chinese Character for Long Life

If you wish for long life and good health, you should use the symbol Shòu. This symbol is commonly given as a present during birthdays and for elder people. In Chinese legends, Shòuxīng is the star God that controls the lifespan of mortals.

 

福 – Fú, 禄 – Lù, 寿 – Shòu Trinity

The three Chinese symbols above can be used as standalone charms. But when used together, they become more powerful. This auspicious trinity can bestow you with luck, prosperity, and long life.

 

(“喜喜” 双喜) Shuāngxǐ - Chinese Character for Double Happiness

Xǐ is the Chinese symbol for “happiness.” Written twice, it represents double happiness. It’s a popular symbol to give as a gift, wishing someone much joy in life. This character is often used in Chinese weddings.

 

(爱) Ài - Chinese Character for Love

If you’re looking to enhance the energy of love, the Ài symbol is for you. This Chinese symbol is not only used in China, but in other Asian countries as well, such as Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Korea. You’ll often find this character in tattoos, famed for its deep meaning and beauty.

 

(安) Ān - Chinese Character for Peace and Harmony

The Chinese symbol Ān is used to promote peace and harmony in your home. Display this character to create harmonious relationships free from arguments and misunderstandings.

 

Popular Amulets in Feng Shui

Now, let’s take a look at the most common items used in feng shui. These feng shui enhancers are good luck charms that will activate good energy in your home.

 

Bagua

Bagua Map by Architecture Ideas

The bagua is a map you can use to locate specific energies in any space, be it a house, a single room, or an office. It literally means “eight areas.” You can use it to determine where is the specific area in your home is, such as wealth, health, career, or relationships. It helps you find the right corner to place your feng shui charms.

How to Use: Lay a scaled floor plan of your home or room, with the front door positioned at the bottom. Overlay it with a three-by-three grid. Then, locate the areas to match up with the bagua.

 

Chinese Coins

The old Chinese coins symbolize wealth and prosperity in feng shui. They appear in a round shape with a square hole in the middle, which represents heaven and earth. This Chinese symbol for money is often tied with red strings so you can hang them in the auspicious section of your home.

How to Use: Hang three Chinese lucky coins in the southeast corner of your home to attract wealth. You can also carry them inside your pouch to bring in more money.

 

Wind Chimes

Wind chimes are a powerful feng shui amulet because they create sound and energy vibrations. They are an excellent clearing tool to get rid of unwanted energy in your home. They also bring clarity as they are connected to the metal element.

How to Use: Tie them with the auspicious red string and hang them in the western or northwestern sections of your home. This will help improve the energy of completion or helpful people in your life.

 

Eternal Knot

The Eternal Knot is a Chinese symbol for good luck and fortune. It is used to hang various feng shui charms like the Chinese coins and wind chimes. Also known as the Buddhist Endless Knot and Mystic Knot, this symbol is considered auspicious itself. Its geometric designs, which don’t have a beginning nor an ending, represent the eternity symbol of the number eight. Using the Eternal Knot brings endless luck, harmony, and long life.

How to Use: Hang in the southwest corner of your home to promote harmonious relationships.

 

Laughing Buddha

There are many variations of Buddha statues, but the Laughing Buddha is the most popular one in feng shui. It is depicted with a round belly and a huge smile on his face, sitting on a bed of coins. He is said to bring joy, abundance, and good luck when displayed at homes.

How to Use: The Laughing Buddha can be placed in many areas of your home, such as the entrance, your garden, or your wealth corner. Just make sure you don’t put the statue on the floor or in your bedroom.

 

Lucky Mythical Creatures

The Chinese people are also big on mythical creatures that bring good luck. If you’re a fan of legendary beasts, here are some of the most popular ones to invite good fortune.

 

Chinese Dragon

In Chinese culture, dragons are benevolent creatures that represent good luck. Their presence is believed to bring good fortune, wisdom, and protection, that’s why you’ll see plenty of images depicting dragons in many homes and workplaces in China.

How to Use: Place a dragon image wherever you feel is a lucky spot. However, avoid putting it in enclosed spaces where chi can’t flow freely. You may also wear a dragon amulet on your body.

 

Phoenix or Fenghuang

According to the stories, the Phoenix flies to heaven in times of trouble. That’s why when the Phoenix appears, it is considered a good omen. By itself, it is a Chinese symbol of luck and prosperity. But together with the Chinese dragon, they make up the ultimate couple in feng shui.

How to Use: As a celestial being, the Phoenix can be placed anywhere without negative effects. For optimum results, keep it in an elevated position. When displayed with the Chinese dragon, place it in the love area at the southwest corner of your home.

 

Pixiu or Pi Yao

The Pixiu meaning is often tied with abundance and prosperity. Pixiu is known as the “fortune beast” among Chinese locals. It is considered a creature that brings financial luck to those who take care of it. Also known as Piyao, this beast hunts for treasures across the land, devouring and trapping them inside its belly.

How to Use: Place a Pixiu ornament in the southeast corner of your home. Or wear a Pixiu bracelet, ring, or necklace.

 

 

Fu Dogs

The Fu Dogs are a part lion, part dog beast in charge of guarding palaces, temples, homes, and even tombs against thieves. They are also believed to ward off negative energies. For this reason, It is considered a powerful Chinese symbol for protection.

How to Use: Place a pair outside your house or workplace to prevent theft and burglary.

 

Three-Legged Toad

The three-legged toad, otherwise known as the feng shui money frog, is another legendary animal that represents wealth in Chinese culture. According to the stories, this creature can produce silver and gold coins from its mouth.

How to Use: Place it in the north or southeast section of your home if you want to activate your career or wealth luck.

 

Animals That Bring Good Luck

Aside from mythical creatures, your beloved pet might be a bringer of good luck too. Find out what animals bring good luck in the Chinese culture.

 

12 Zodiac Animals

Each of the 12 zodiac animals represents specific energies. But all together, they represent harmony in the energies around us. It is auspicious to keep them with you as they create balance in your life.

How to Use: Keep an image of your zodiac animal based on your birth year. Or display all twelve together to invite harmony.

 

Lucky Cat

In feng shui, cats are often considered a bad omen. But a golden cat is an exception to the rule. Also known as the lucky cat, it symbolizes an inauspicious event turning into an auspicious ending. Displaying the lucky cat helps protect you from misfortune while welcoming wealth.

How to Use: Lucky cats are friendlier door guardians than the Fu Dogs. Display them at the entrance of your home or establishment to welcome good energy and sweep away bad vibrations.

 

Koi (Carps) and Goldfish

In Chinese folklore, the carp is a magical fish that was able to overcome difficulties. It swam against the current and up a waterfall called Dragon’s Gate. In the end, it transformed into a dragon itself according to the stories. Its great feat has become a symbol of success among locals. This fish is also associated with wealth because of its golden scales.

How to Use: Place three koi in a bowl in the northern sector of your home to attract advancement and growth. A bigger aquarium should be placed in the southeast corner with eight carps to invite wealth. If you have a koi pond, put eight red and one black fish in it for smooth sailing and longevity.

 

Birds

Aside from the Chinese Phoenix, birds are considered lucky in feng shui because they represent a connection to heaven. Some of the most popular birds for good luck include cranes and Mandarin ducks. Cranes are believed to grant wishes and they symbolize long life. On the other hand, Mandarin ducks embody marital success as they mate for life.

How to Use: Position a crane statue in the health area located at the center of your home. To fulfill your wishes, you should also fold one thousand origami cranes. For the Mandarin ducks, display a pair of statues in the love area at the southwest corner of your home, facing each other.

 

Tortoise

The tortoise is a symbol of wisdom in feng shui. Interestingly, the wisdom that is feng shui originated from the markings on the shell of this animal according to some stories. Aside from knowledge, the tortoise also represents longevity, endurance, and protection.

How to Use: Place an image of the tortoise in the north sector of your home to invite wisdom for your work. You can also have real or statues of tortoises in your garden to inspire longevity and protection.

 

Crystals and Their Meanings in Feng Shui

Crystals harness the energy of nature. That's why they make excellent pieces to activate feng shui energy. Below, we listed down the most common crystals used in feng shui.

 

Amethyst, The Calming Stone

Amethyst is a purification stone used in feng shui. Placing this crystal helps calm emotions at home. Use amethyst to promote peace and harmony among family members.

Where to Place: In the family gua at the center of your home

 

 

Black Obsidian, The Protective Stone

Black obsidian is one of the many crystals that protect against unwanted energies. In feng shui, it is used to absorb and transform negative energies in the surroundings. Wear a black obsidian bracelet to repel unwanted vibrations in your life.

Where to Place: In the four corners of your home or your bedroom

ALSO READ: Black Obsidian Bracelet: Benefits and Meaning

 

 

Citrine, The Manifesting Stone

Citrine is a stone that manifests your intentions of wealth and abundance. Known as the “lucky merchant’s stone,” many use it to attract good fortune.

Where to Place: In the wealth gua at the southeast sector of your home

 

 

Clear Quartz, The Healing Stone

Clear quartz is known as the master healer among crystals. It is the stone to turn to promote good health as it is believed to clear stagnant energy in the body and any space.

Where to Place: In the east sector of your home; in a place of cleansing like your bathroom; in your kitchen, specifically in your fridge or pantry

 

Jade, The Lucky Stone

Jade is one of the most valuable stones in China because of its many symbolism. For years, it has been used in feng shui to promote good health. Many also use it to improve their luck and attract abundance, while others have jade for protection against misfortune.

Where to Place: In the east sector or at the center of your home for health luck; in the southeast sector for wealth; in the front door for protection

 

 

Rose Quartz, The Love Stone

Rose quartz is known as the stone of love. It is believed to bring self-love, joy, and emotional healing when the stone is used.

Where to Place: In the love gua at the southwest sector of your home or bedroom

 

 

Tiger’s Eye, The Clarity Stone

Tiger’s eye can be used in multiple ways in feng shui. As a stone of clarity, it helps us see and think more clearly, which is an excellent stone when making decisions. It also aids in the completion of new projects or ventures, as well as for boosting knowledge, abundance, and career success.

Where to Place: In the east sector of your home for new beginnings; in the west for completion and creativity; in the southeast for wealth; in the north for career

 

 

Lucky Feng Shui Plants

When taken care of properly, plants help nourish the energy in your home or workspace. Decorate your home with the lucky feng shui plants below.

 

Lucky Bamboo

Bamboo symbolizes good luck in feng shui. It’s one of the top feng shui plants that balance the five elements in your space. Depending on the number of stalks it has, the lucky bamboo can improve different aspects of life.

How to Use: Place two stalks of bamboo in the southwest corner to attract love. Display three or nine stalks in the southeast to activate your wealth feng shui.

 

Jade Plant

The jade plant is famed for its rounded leaves that symbolize good fortune. For this reason, it is also known as the money tree.

How to Use: Place in the southwest corner of your home to invite wealth energy.

 

Fruits

Fruits are a symbol of abundance in feng shui. In particular, oranges are a feng shui favorite because of their coin-like shape. It is often likened to gold, that’s why oranges are believed to attract wealth and prosperity. With its abundant yang energy, this fruit is also used to brighten any space.

How to Use: Place a bowl of fresh oranges or other fruits to invite wealth.

 

Flowers

Fresh flowers can attract all kinds of energy into your space. Among the top lucky flowers are peony, orchid, and chrysanthemums. Peony is excellent for enhancing love energy, while orchid boosts career success. Chrysanthemums bring positive energy, joy, and harmony to any household.

How to Use: Decorate the entrance of your homes with flowers. You can also place them in common areas as well as your window sills.

 

Lucky Colors in Feng Shui

Colors are crucial in feng shui because they are believed to hold specific energies. Surrounding yourself with different colors doesn’t only affect your mood, but also influences your luck.

Here, we listed down the colors considered lucky in feng shui.

Feng Shui Bagua Colors by The Feng Shui Studio

 

Red

Red is the most auspicious color in feng shui. It is the color of life and is tied with good luck. It is also used to protect your home from negative energy. That’s why you’ll find many Chinese good luck charms to be in red.

Element: Fire

Bagua Area: Fame and Reputation; Wealth and Prosperity; Love, Marriage, and Relationships

 

Green

Green is the color of vitality. It embodies growth and regeneration, just like the wood element it represents. Decorating your home with this color promotes good health and harmonious family relationships. You’d also want to accent with green because it’s also the color of wealth.

Element: Wood

Bagua Area: Health; Family; Wealth and Prosperity; Knowledge, Wisdom, and Self-Cultivation

 

Yellow

In ancient times, yellow is the most important color in China. It’s the color of royalty, naming the first Chinese emperor as the “Yellow Emperor” and the country “Yellow Earth.” That’s why it’s connected to wealth. As the color of earth, yellow also brings the nurturing energy of nature, promoting stability and grounding.

Element: Earth

Bagua Area: Health; Wealth and Prosperity

 

Black

Black is strongly associated with the water element. In feng shui, water symbolizes the flow of wealth. It also represents the depth and vastness of the element, that’s why it also embodies wisdom. Finally, black is also the color symbolizing heaven, making it an extremely auspicious color in Chinese beliefs.

Element: Water

Bagua Area: Career; Wealth and Prosperity; Knowledge, Wisdom, and Self-Cultivation

 

White

White invites clarity and productivity into your life. It’s a popular option to inspire completion as it promotes a clear and creative mind. Decorate your home with white to support your goals.

Element: Metal

Bagua Area: Children and Creativity; Helpful People and Travel

 

Gray

Combining black and white, gray is like yin and yang. It embodies wisdom and clarity. As the color of the metal element, gray also helps you find helpful people that can improve your life.

Element: Metal

Bagua Area: Helpful People and Travel

 

Blue

Blue is connected to growth and harmony as its mid-tone hues are associated with the wood element. It can also represent wealth and knowledge as its deeper tones align with the water element.

Element: Wood or Water

Bagua Area: Family and New Beginnings; Wealth and Prosperity; Career

 

Gold

Gold attracts the energy of metal and earth. It is associated with the helpful people sector in your home. Also, this color represents wealth in many cultures. It’s ideal to use if you own a business, inviting more customers to your establishment.

Element: Metal or Earth

Bagua Area: Helpful People and Travel; Wealth

 

Orange

Orange is all about enthusiasm and optimism. It’s a bright color that brings the strength of red and the stability of yellow. Go with orange to fuel your passion be it at work, your relationships, or your personal endeavors.

Element: Fire or Earth

Bagua Area: Fame and Reputation; Health

 

Brown

Brown brings the energy of the earth element into any household. Surrounding yourself with this color helps you achieve stability and grounding. It’s an excellent color to bring peace, harmony, and good health into the family.

Element: Earth or Wood

Bagua Area: Health; Family; Knowledge, Wisdom, and Self-Cultivation

 

Purple

Purple is the color of nobility in many cultures. For this reason, it is often connected to abundance and power. Combining red and blue, this color is also used to improve your reputation and inspire harmony in the family.

Element: Fire

Bagua Area: Wealth and Prosperity; Fame; Family

 

Pink

Pink holds the passionate red of fire tempered by the white of metal. That’s why it is associated with partnerships. Use pink to enhance the energy of love in your life.

Element: Fire or Metal

Bagua Area: Love, Marriage, and Relationships

 

How to Use Colors in Feng Sui: As a general rule, you should surround yourself with colors that align with the element of your birth year. If your element is water, your lucky colors are blue and black. You can also have white and gold, the color of metal, which nourishes water.

Decorate your home with your lucky colors or wear them to enhance good feng shui energy.

 

Lucky Numbers in Feng Shui

Numbers also play a role in enhancing your luck. Many feng shui enthusiasts Incorporate lucky numbers in their phone numbers or house addresses to invite positive energy. In general, these are the luckiest digits you should be looking for.

 

Lucky Number Two

Any pair of objects is considered auspicious in Chinese beliefs. This is the concept of “doubling excellence.” It is thought to multiply good fortune twofold, that’s why the Chinese people often use pairs, such as a pair of mandarin duck statues.

 

Lucky Number Eight

In Chinese numerology, the numbers can be defined by how similar they are to certain words. For instance, the word “four” sounds like the word for death in the Chinese language, that’s why it’s considered inauspicious. On the other hand, the word “eight” sounds like the Chinese word to prosper, so locals believe that it’s a lucky number.

 

Lucky Number Nine

Just like eight, nine also has a similar sound to the word “sufficient.” When used, it is thought to bring enough of what you desire, such as wealth, health, and success. For this reason, this number is associated with abundance and long life.

 

How to Use These Feng Shui Symbols

Now that you know the most common Chinese good luck symbols, it’s time to learn how you can apply them in your everyday life. There are various ways to do this:

Display at home as ornaments

Displaying these feng shui symbols is the most common way to activate good energy in your place. Be sure to place them in the appropriate sectors of your home to improve the life aspect you want.

Carry as a charm

Certain items like crystals and Chinese coins can be placed in your pockets, pouches, or wallets to attract positive energy. This allows you to keep them with you even outside, making the most out of your good luck charms.

Create a crystal grid

Pick your favorite crystals and create a sacred geometry grid to amplify their energies.

Wear as jewelry

Feng shui jewelry have become a trend in recent years. Now, you can wear your favorite amulets as a feng shui bracelet, ring, or necklace and keep them with you all the time.

 

Use These Chinese Good Luck Symbols Now

Did you find a particular feng shui symbol to your liking?

All of these Chinese good luck symbols will help surround you with good feng shui energy.

Use your favorites now and improve your wealth, health, career, relationships, and other aspects of your life.

References:

https://www.tutormandarin.net/en/chinese-symbols-meaning-behind/

https://fengshuitricks.com/chinese-symbol-for-love-peace/

https://www.thespruce.com/your-feng-shui-bagua-guide-1275056

https://www.thespruce.com/ways-to-use-crystals-for-good-feng-shui-1274644

https://www.thespruce.com/chinese-zodiac-sign-and-feng-shui-element-chart-1274894

https://thefengshuistudio.com/feng-shui/feng-shui-bagua-colors/

https://www.thespruce.com/color-as-expression-feng-shui-elements-1275238

https://feng-shui.lovetoknow.com/My_Lucky_Numbers

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/crystal-grid-how-to