Lucky Bamboo

"More bamboo he would behold shining with a golden light, and it was always full of gold."
 — Author Unknown (900 A.D.), "Kaguya-Hime: The Tale of the Bamboo Princess."

Origins and History
Sentiment and Symbolism
Long Live Bamboo!

Origins and History
Bamboo, also known as "Lucky Bamboo," originates in both tropical and temperate climates in Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. It's served many uses throughout these regions — from building materials to increasing the flow of "chi" within living spaces. However, few have had such a close and long-standing relationship with bamboo than the people of Japan and China.

In Japan, people believe that because of its mysterious, unique appearance, bamboo is a sacred plant where gods live within the hollow body. Ancient Japanese bamboo combs, baskets, fishing rods, musical instruments, and daily utensils date back as far as 10,000 B.C.

In China, bamboo is essential in Feng Shui (pronounced "fung schway"), a practice thought to have originated in the region about five thousand years ago. Feng Shui creates positive environmental energy, both indoors and out. Bamboo is often used in Feng Shui to achieve positive energy. According to Feng Shui masters, bamboo that has been treated and cultivated under natural growing conditions has greater power and energy.

Recently, Feng Shui — and in turn, bamboo — has become an enormously popular trend in elements of design and lifestyle throughout the Western world.

Sentiment and Symbolism
Bamboo has been a fundamental part of Zen and Buddhist philosophy for centuries. It can be given as a gift to signify success, peace and harmony, or purely for luck!

Lucky Bamboo has powerful spiritual meanings:

• Career Advancement
  Signifies a climb up the ladder of success.



• Prosperity
  Encourages success in business ventures.



• Longevity
  Indicates good health, harmony, and a peaceful life.



• Relationships
  Energizes your love life.



• Feng Shui
  Creates positive energy in your home environment.



• Eight
  Eight stalks of bamboo is considered extremely lucky in Feng Shui.



• Three
  Three stems of bamboo is a symbol of good fortune.



• Red Ribbons
  Red ribbons tied around your bamboo signifies general good fortune.



• Saying, "I Do"
  Giving three stalks of bamboo to wedding guests blesses the marriage with everlasting happiness and success.

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