A woman's deep-seated belief in the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui has led to dangerous consequences on the roads of Shanghai, after she repeatedly repositioned a crucial traffic mirror and inadvertently caused multiple car accidents.
Months of Mysterious Mishaps
Residents of a Shanghai residential compound were left baffled for months as a sharp bend in their local road became the site of a concerning number of collisions and near-misses. Despite property management teams diligently re-adjusting the traffic mirror at this hazardous turn on several occasions, the accidents stubbornly persisted, creating an atmosphere of confusion and frustration among neighbours.
The Feng Shui Factor Uncovered
An investigation eventually revealed the surprising culprit: a woman living directly opposite the mirror, who had been secretly moving it to align with her feng shui requirements. Her husband, identified only by the surname Luo, explained to Shanghai TV that the couple had consulted a feng shui master after experiencing a run of bad luck and health issues.
The master reportedly concluded that the traffic mirror was the source of their misfortune. In feng shui philosophy, mirrors hold significant power and must be positioned carefully; they should not directly face doors, windows, or beds, as this is thought to repel the god of fortune and disrupt harmonious energy flow.
A 'Demon-Revealing Mirror'
Luo elaborated that the couple perceived the traffic safety device as a 'demon-revealing mirror', a reference to a mythical item in Chinese folklore believed to expose the true form of demons disguised as humans. 'We are no demons,' Luo stated. 'We are not happy having a demon-revealing mirror pointing at us.' This belief drove his wife to repeatedly alter the mirror's angle, prioritising spiritual harmony over public safety.
Attempted Compromises Fail
In an effort to resolve the standoff between the family's beliefs and the community's safety concerns, property management attempted a pragmatic solution. They installed a second traffic mirror on the opposite side of the road, aiming to provide adequate visibility for drivers from both directions without the mirror directly facing the Luo residence.
However, this compromise proved short-lived. After the family suffered another bout of perceived bad luck, the woman once again adjusted both mirrors, reigniting the danger on the road. Faced with this ongoing risk, authorities took decisive action: the property management company has now permanently fixed the mirror's position using cement to prevent further tampering.
Legal Repercussions Loom
The situation has escalated to involve law enforcement. According to reports from the South China Morning Post, police have informed the Luo family that their actions may constitute a criminal offence. They have been warned that they could be held legally accountable for any accidents or injuries resulting from the unauthorised repositioning of the traffic safety equipment.
This case highlights a stark clash between traditional spiritual practices and modern civic responsibility, raising questions about individual beliefs versus public welfare in densely populated urban environments.
