Ancestors’ Advice: “3 Don’ts Outside, 3 Must-Haves Inside” — Attract Wealth, Peace, and Prosperity
According to ancient wisdom, a home with good feng shui must follow the rule of “three don’ts in front of the house, and three must-haves inside.”
Since ancient times, Vietnamese people have valued the feng shui of their homes. A house is not only a shelter but also a “nest” that influences the family’s fortune, prosperity, and well-being. A home built with proper feng shui helps life flow smoothly — careers thrive, wealth grows, and family members live in harmony. The old saying “Three don’ts before the house, three must-haves inside” is a reminder of how to maintain and arrange your home to attract wealth, ward off misfortune, and preserve peace and prosperity.
Let’s explore what these “3 don’ts” and “3 must-haves” are — and how to apply them correctly to avoid bad feng shui that could drain your fortune.
3 Don’ts in Front of the House — Keep Away Misfortune and Negative Energy
The area in front of a house, known as the “bright hall” (minh đường), is the place that welcomes energy and attracts wealth. If this area violates feng shui principles, the homeowner’s fortune may decline, causing obstacles in career and finances. Therefore, our ancestors warned that there are three things you should never have in front of your house:
1. No large trees or obstacles blocking the entrance
Big trees, electric poles, or walls right in front of the main door are considered “dark arrows” that block good energy from entering. Besides restricting sunlight and airflow, these obstacles create a feeling of confinement and stagnation, which disrupts prosperity.
If your house has a large tree in front, trim it regularly, adjust the pathway, or hang a bagua mirror (feng shui mirror) to counter the blockage.
2. No trash or stagnant water
The front door is like the “mouth” of the house, where energy flows in and out. If the entrance area is cluttered, dirty, or has stagnant water or smelly drains, it attracts negative energy that leads to financial loss and poor health.
Keeping this area clean, dry, and bright is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to attract wealth and good luck.
3. No direct alignment with a main road or sharp corners
In feng shui, a road leading straight into the main door is called “piercing sha” (xung sát). Energy rushes directly into the house too forcefully, bringing bad luck, disputes, or accidents.
If your home faces this situation, you can install a secondary gate, place a decorative screen, or use large potted plants to soften the flow of energy and reduce its harmful impact.
3 Must-Haves Inside the House — Gather Blessings and Attract Prosperity
Beyond avoiding bad feng shui outside, the inside of the home should contain elements that nurture positive energy, attract wealth, and promote harmony. The “three must-haves inside” form the foundation of a happy, prosperous household.
1. Natural light and good airflow
A bright, well-ventilated home symbolizes smooth, vibrant energy flow and abundant fortune. Natural light keeps the house fresh, prevents dampness, and improves health.
If your home lacks sunlight, open more windows, use light-colored curtains, or place mirrors to reflect light. Ensure air circulation so that energy can move freely without stagnation.
2. An altar or feng shui symbols of prosperity
Since ancient times, ancestor worship has been a sacred tradition in Vietnamese culture. The family altar gathers spiritual energy, offering protection and blessings for generations.
Additionally, feng shui items such as the three-legged toad (money frog), money tree, calabash gourd (hulu), Laughing Buddha, or crystals suited to your zodiac element can attract fortune and dispel negative energy — as long as they are placed correctly.
3. Laughter, harmony, and filial piety
This is the most important “must-have.” A simple home filled with love, respect, and kindness naturally accumulates positive energy.
As the old saying goes: “When a family lives in harmony, all things prosper.”
A house full of laughter invites happiness, health, and wealth. On the other hand, even a luxurious home loses its blessings if filled with tension and conflict.
Keeping the “3 Don’ts” and “3 Must-Haves” for Lasting Prosperity
The “3 don’ts” help prevent misfortune and repel negative energy, while the “3 must-haves” amplify positivity and attract good fortune. Combined, they create a harmonious home that nurtures well-being, success, and abundance.
Good feng shui doesn’t come solely from physical arrangements — it also comes from one’s attitude and way of living. When we live kindly, treat others well, and care for our home and family, blessings naturally follow — even in the simplest dwelling.
The old saying “Three don’ts before the house, three must-haves inside” carries not just feng shui wisdom but also deep life philosophy:
To attract wealth and maintain peace, start by keeping your home clean, your heart kind, and your family united.
A home with good feng shui is more than just a place to live — it’s a source of energy that nurtures happiness and success.
So remember this timeless teaching:
“Keep the front clean, keep peace within — good energy will gather, blessings will grow,
Wealth will come, and peace will stay.”
(This article is for cultural and inspirational reference.)
