Number 5 in Asia
Hindu Wedding
In many Hindu weddings it is customary to place five auspicious items into the knot of the rope or cloth that is used during the ceremony.
When a couple gets married “tying the knot” literally means tying two loose ends together.
This may be a scarf or a piece of other clothing the bride and bridegroom are wearing or holding.
The five auspicious items are:
Flower – happiness
Coin – money
Durva grass – everlasting love
Turmeric – physical and mental health
Rice – Food
Punch
Punch is named after the Hindu word meaning five. There are five ingredients in punch: water, lemon juice, sugar, spice and spirits.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is often called the “Double Fifth”.
This is an ancient festival. It is told that about 2500 years ago the highly accomplished poet Chu-Yuan leaped to his death in the Miluo River. This was a protest act against the corrupt king who had banished him from court.
The villagers were shocked and appalled. They rowed out in their boats on the river and dropped stuffed rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves into the water to nourish and appeal for the well-being of his spirit.
Dumplings are eaten as the traditional food during the Dragon Boat Festival.
Five Elements
In Asia there are five elements: Wood – Fire – Earth – Metal – Water
Saturday Five
When the fifth day of the waning moon in the fifth lunar month occurs on a Saturday it is known in Thailand as the “Saturday Five”. This is an extremely auspicious day.
On Saturday Five many may take their Buddha images to the temple and leave them there until the next day. The monks will chant and give the Buddha images blessing during the night.
The most powerful and auspicious Saturday Five is the one that occurs in in the fifth year of the 12-year cycle.
Gorinto
A gorinto is a five layered pagoda. The name means five rings. It is found in Japan. The gorinto on the picture is used as a grave marker.
The five shapes symbolize of the Five Elements: earth, water, fire, air and either energy or void.
Tomb-Sweeping Day
Tomb-Sweeping Day is celebrated on April 5th annually in Taiwan. Families will on this day sweep and clean the tomb of their dearly departed relatives.
President Chiang Kai-shek also died on this day in 1975. It is told that a fierce thunder storm broke out moments after he died. The ferocious weather lasted for half an hour. Then abruptly the sky was clear and bright again.
Memorial services are held in his honor on this day.
God of Wealth
The fifth day of the Chinese New Year is devoted to the God of Wealth. He may sometimes be riding a black tiger, holding a golden rod or a tool that can turn iron and stone into pure gold.
Many shops may open with sales on this day.