Gift giving is a timeless expression of love, gratitude and well wishes. It is associated with emotion. In Indian culture, gifts are more than about love;
they are about energy! The ratified ancient science of Vastu Shastra relates to architecture and energy balancing. Certain things are said to hold the energy of negative vibration or the potential for bad luck when given as gifts. Pooja Verma, Tarot Card Reader, Numerologist says, "Once you understand the guidelines of Vastu Shastra, your generous gift idea will not create bad luck or enjoyable well wishes but will attract positive energy and abundance of any kind." She also gave a list of items we need to avoid giving as gifts - for the Vastu Shastra rationale and beliefs behind the items. Clocks and Watches Clocks embody the idea of time, and according to Vastu, there is a possibility that giving a clock as a gift may symbolize that it is running out in a relationship. Gifting a clock or watch is believed to result in a delay, stagnation, or even division between giver and receiver. If you still feel prompted, you may give a clock or watch; be certain to put a modest amount of money with it, either ₹1 or ₹11. This small exchange is supposed to neutralize the bad energy. Handkerchiefs A handkerchief, while practical and small, is considered an unfavorable gift in Vastu. The act of using a handkerchief is often related to wiping away tears or sadness, so gifting someone a handkerchief might suggest that in the future or may signify emotional pain from the outset of the gesture. In many cultural groups in India, in fact, gifting a handkerchief is a well-known sign of separating rather than bonding or friendship. Sharp Objects (Knife, Scissors, or Blades) Sharp objects indicate fighting or aggression and literally signify severed ties. Vastu practitioners do not recommend gifting scissors or knives. It symbolizes that the relationship may be possibly “cut” with the scissors or knife. If you must gift such an item for practical reasons, make it a symbolic sale—ask the recipient to give you a small coin in exchange. This gesture turns the act into a transaction, thus avoiding the bad omen. An Empty Wallet or Purse An empty wallet or purse represents empty pockets. In Vastu principles, if someone is given an empty wallet or purse, this can indirectly be transferring the giver's poverty or financial issues. If you do want to give someone a wallet/purse, simply place a small amount of money or a coin in it. This is associated with abundance and prosperity for the recipient. Mirrors In the Vastu Shastra, mirrors are important because they can reflect and both enhance positive and negative energy. Generally, mirrors are not something to give as a gift because they may reflect good fortune away from the new owner and may cause confusion and marital strife in gift receivers who are in love or in a relationship. If a mirror is gifted without intent or Vastu awareness, it may create discord in relationships. Pearls While elegant and classic, pearls are the representation of tears and sadness in Vastu. A gift of pearls may invite emotional distress or sadness into a person's life unintentionally. Custom suggests that pearls should be purchased by the person who will wear them to avoid such instances. Empty Utensils Just like an empty wallet, Vastu believes that empty utensils such as a bowl or jug represent a lack of something, whether it be food, wealth, or completion. Vastu principles state that you should never give someone an empty utensil. If you are giving someone cookware or service ware, you can add sweets, dry fruits, or grains to create a sense of abundance.
