Specialty Property

What Is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is a method of environmental design to help determine the best places to live, work and prosper. Originating in ancient China, feng shui is based on the idea that there is energy in all things and was initially used by farmers to place farmland and homes for optimal weather exposure and protection. It has been used for thousands of years, and many people—even those without a Chinese or Buddhist background—believe in some of the components of feng shui.

Cemeteries were among the first to apply feng shui design elements. A cemetery should have positive natural energy, including sunlight, water features and vivid plant life. Natural landscape features such as mountains surrounding a cemetery offer protection to loved ones, and elegantly constructed garden walls are both beautiful and further enclose and protect family spaces. Stable terrain and rich soil help ensure final resting places remain undisturbed, and marked pathways help to honor those who came before us.

Feng shui is used not only in optimizing cemetery design, but also in determining optimal location, orientation and design of gravesites, and best time, date and place of burial. Adhering to feng shui principles can help surviving family members feel at ease knowing that their relatives are resting peacefully.

Feng shui at Rose Hills

Feng shui has played a key role in the master planning at Rose Hills for three decades. Backed by mountains and flanked by hills, Rose Hills offers a naturally protective space, enhanced by natural running water nearby and vibrant landscaping. The gently sloping hillside offers dramatic views of downtown Los Angeles, and terraced lawns provide stability and protection. 

About 800 of the 1,400 acres at Rose Hills Memorial Park have been planned in collaboration with feng shui masters and experts. Landscaping is selected to attract birds and wildlife.