This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/06/garden/talismans-pleasing-to-the-senses.html
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Fending Off the Bad Spirits | Fending Off the Bad Spirits |
(about 21 hours later) | |
If you are a feng shui expert or, for that matter, a Jewish grandmother, you are likely to believe that a scrupulously clean and tidy home is the first defense against bad spirits. (No place to hide.) But even at the risk of cluttering, you may want to acquire a talisman or two. The following demon-repelling goods not only have the endorsements of ancient belief systems (in some cases, several), but they are also pleasing to the senses (in some cases, several). | If you are a feng shui expert or, for that matter, a Jewish grandmother, you are likely to believe that a scrupulously clean and tidy home is the first defense against bad spirits. (No place to hide.) But even at the risk of cluttering, you may want to acquire a talisman or two. The following demon-repelling goods not only have the endorsements of ancient belief systems (in some cases, several), but they are also pleasing to the senses (in some cases, several). |
Salt, for example, has been sacred to everyone from Pueblos to Buddhists. Have it on hand to toss over your shoulder by storing it in beautiful saltcellars, like a pair of antique silver Russian ones from À La Vieille Russie ($6,500). | Salt, for example, has been sacred to everyone from Pueblos to Buddhists. Have it on hand to toss over your shoulder by storing it in beautiful saltcellars, like a pair of antique silver Russian ones from À La Vieille Russie ($6,500). |
The Chinese feng-ling, or musical wind chime, was hung from the eaves of 11th-century pagodas and shrines to chase away ghosts, a practice that spread to Japan and beyond. Today, you can make your own fearsome racket with Crate & Barrel’s “Eastern inspired” Kenzi iron wind chimes (about $60). | The Chinese feng-ling, or musical wind chime, was hung from the eaves of 11th-century pagodas and shrines to chase away ghosts, a practice that spread to Japan and beyond. Today, you can make your own fearsome racket with Crate & Barrel’s “Eastern inspired” Kenzi iron wind chimes (about $60). |
Rosemary is the workhorse of herbs, a mind-clearing, romance-promoting, bad-energy-deflecting shrub that can substitute for frankincense in a pinch and even be used to summon elves. If you’re not planning to cook a pork roast anytime soon, you can scent your home with a rosemary candle from Michele Varian ($45). | Rosemary is the workhorse of herbs, a mind-clearing, romance-promoting, bad-energy-deflecting shrub that can substitute for frankincense in a pinch and even be used to summon elves. If you’re not planning to cook a pork roast anytime soon, you can scent your home with a rosemary candle from Michele Varian ($45). |
Even if the Evil Eye is bold enough to peer into your Jewish grandmother’s immaculate home, it must do so across the threshold, whose doorframe will likely be marked by a mezuza. This traditional Jewish emblem of observance is often thought to ward off evil. The contemporary example shown is by the Israeli-born designer Dror Benshetrit for Alessi ($92). | |
By some accounts, horseshoes are good-luck tokens because they are traditionally made of iron, a material with many practical uses. Given that the Bronze Age trumped the Iron Age, Rocky Mountain’s silicon bronze horseshoes ($144 each) may be nailed to a door with extra assurance. | By some accounts, horseshoes are good-luck tokens because they are traditionally made of iron, a material with many practical uses. Given that the Bronze Age trumped the Iron Age, Rocky Mountain’s silicon bronze horseshoes ($144 each) may be nailed to a door with extra assurance. |
Activated by the breath and made of a super-lucky plant, bamboo flutes are considered powerful tools by feng shui practitioners. No need to learn “Greensleeves” to make a flute attract energy to a depleted part of your home. Just hang it on the wall. This hand-carved model was designed by the master Balinese flutemaker Nyoman Lentong (about $90). | Activated by the breath and made of a super-lucky plant, bamboo flutes are considered powerful tools by feng shui practitioners. No need to learn “Greensleeves” to make a flute attract energy to a depleted part of your home. Just hang it on the wall. This hand-carved model was designed by the master Balinese flutemaker Nyoman Lentong (about $90). |
Previous version
1
Next version