Superstition has nothing to do with the innate wish for prosperity and well-being . Indian homes have traditionally been filled with small, symbolic gestures that aim at pleasing oneself and the visitor to the home, and thereby bring more positive energy. With the confluence of multiple cultures, the symbols themselves have multiplied, and it is not unusual for an aum to be juxtaposed with a Feng shui ornament.
Though the practice is on the wane, the tradition of a kolam at the entrance has still got a strong following. Done first thing in the morning, it served multiple purposes – giving the woman of the house the opportunity to breathe in the early morning air, to giving vent to her creativity to feeding the ants with the rice flour used for this purpose. Many homes now have sticker kolams, instead, but the underlying purpose is the same – of indicating prosperity and aesthetic value.
A mirror at the entrance or somewhere where the visitor can see it has become a part of tradition now. The belief being that all bad thoughts will be forgotten when one sees oneself in the mirror and that the mirror itself acts as a shield to reflect back thoughts of envy to the person who directs it to the home. This works the same way as the pumpkin, lemon, or the demon, or even tiny shoes to ward off evil.
A Tulsi plant or Tulsi Madam at the entrance is a distant reality for apartment owners. But, those in independent houses with a lawn certainly can opt for this as it is said to be very powerful. “Apparently , it can ward off insects, and even Brahmahatti Dosham, as Tulsi is said to be Goddess Lakshmi incarnate. Needless to say, watering it regularly and worshipping it can only add to prosperity,” says Gomathi Ramaswamy, a retired SBI official.
An uruli or a bowl of flowers at the entrance is yet another beautiful thing that pleases the senses with colours and fragrance, bringing in good thoughts and feelings. While mavilai (mango leaf) thoranam is part of every function in South India, nowadays, a variety are available in contemporary lasting material. Many like to place Ganesha at the door as he is the remover of obstacles. Many also draw a swastika symbol at the door way. Aum is a powerful symbol and a variety of showpieces come with this symbol.
It is customary to place Tirupathi Lord Venkatachalapathis image at the door-way , though Gomathi suggests that it may be better to place it facing the house. The conch is another auspicious symbol indicating victory. “Once I had bought wallhangings made of shells as gifts during Navarathri. Only later I read that this is very auspicious and equivalent to gold coins as it also represents Goddess Lakshmi,” explains Gomathi. While the cow itself is sacred to Hindus, the image of the wish-fulfilling Kamadhenu is yet another auspicious symbol that many have in their homes. Traditional lamps and kuthuvilakku also add to the beauty of a room, as well as
providing an auspicious ambience. In the modern day, laughing Buddha, the toad, the tortoise and chimes have got added to the long list of icons. As aesthetic tastes develop, so do the beauty of these objects and the variety of materials made to create these symbols. And however modern the outlook, it is inevitable that we can find at least one symbol in the house – be it because one is aware, or because something has been handed down.

Source – Times Of India