It might sound crazy yet many people abide by some form of philosophy in the way stuff and structures are built. The Chinese use Feng Shui, and the Hindu’s consult the Gods whose knowledge is revealed by priests and priestesses, who after accumulating the knowledge of hundreds of years of religion and philosophical views give instructions. The way a structure faces the rising sun and has it’s back towards its exit has basis and is seen by many as the ideal location for the frontage of a house. The rising sun is seen by many cultures to be the sign of re-birth (though it happens everyday) which can translate to a new beginning. The exit is said to have the spirits take away the worries of the day with them to the underworld.
Philosophy, religion and technology all have their say in this area and some say it’s all a lot of crap. For me, who was born into a culture that is rich in fables and lore (mythical creatures both good and bad the denizens of the unseen) what’s to loose in believing. There are many who see such beliefs as a waste of time yet we all have some innate fears and techniques we abide by that no one taught us. The way we learn from our parents and see how everyday life evolves gives us the ability to face the world on our own.
My grandparent’s house is made of nipa (palm leaves that are picked, dried and tied into ceiling panels much like roof tiles) and the way they have the house made, never seems to amaze me. The kitchen is connected to the dining area and the smoke from the wood fired stoves still leaves the hole in the roof that looks somewhat like a window we open up as we rise in the morning. We never get to see smoke enter the house even on stormy windy days and my grandmother says that’s because the orientation, design and height (all the aspects of the house) have been approved by a wise man who knew the old ways.
Originally posted on April 7, 2008 @ 4:36 pm