English Dictionary

feng shui

/fʌŋˈʃweɪ/

noun

(Chinese mythology) A system of spiritual energies, both good and evil, present in the natural features of landscapes.

I rearranged my furniture according to feng shui principles.

意味（1）

(Chinese mythology) A system of spiritual energies, both good and evil, present in the natural features of landscapes.

On my telling two missionaries here lately that this Government would not allow a road to be made to their coal mines because it would obstruct the Feng-shui, they only laughed at it. … The upper classes may have Feng-shui, and use it when it suits them, as the Government do; but they also, when it suits their purpose, have no difficulty in overcoming the Feng Shui.

意味（2）

(by extension) An ancient Chinese system of geomancy used to design buildings and graves, and to determine the spatial arrangement of things, according to rules about the flow of energy, aimed at achieving harmony with the environment, promoting good fortune and wealth, etc.

Feng-Shui has long been the puzzle of European residents in China. It is the principle which is given as a reason for every opposition to modern improvements, and which commands the devotions of the Chinese to such an extent that they will commit murder to avenge its neglect. … This Feng-Shui is, however, nothing more than the development of the principles enunciated in the Yih-king, and expounded by Confucius. … Therefore, Feng-Shui requires the tombs of the deceased to be on specially fortunate ground, where there shall be a proper combination of male and female, the male being represented by hilly country, the female by gently undulating ground. At the junction of these two grounds, where they form a bend like the elbow of a man's arm, is the propitious site for tombs and also for cities. Such a site has been chosen for the city of Canton.