Incense burning is an integral part of Vietnamese folk beliefs and cultural worship practices. Regardless of the type of ceremony, lighting incense is always the first step. This holds true for the God of Wealth as well. However, not many people know the significance of the number of incense sticks burned and the appropriate amount to use.
Typically, we use odd numbers as they represent the yang energy, which signifies growth and development. When it comes to the God of Wealth altar, however, there are specific meanings associated with different numbers of incense sticks, and it’s important to take note of these:
Newly Established God of Wealth Altar
When setting up a new altar for the God of Wealth, it’s crucial to perform a consecration ritual first. After that, the altar should be tended to daily with incense offerings to accumulate positive energy. For the first 100 days, it’s essential to light incense and change the water every morning. Each time, the homeowner should light one incense stick to accumulate positive energy for the altar, bringing good fortune and blessings, symbolizing the significance of sincerity in worship.
The Number of Incense Sticks and Their Meanings
Meanings of Numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7, and How to Light Them Properly
On regular days, the homeowner should light one incense stick between 7 and 9 am. This single incense stick represents sincerity and is also known as the peace incense. Upon arriving at their workplace, the homeowner should open the door, turn on the lights, and light incense at the God of Wealth altar. There is no need for offerings, but it’s important to ensure that the water in the bowl on the altar is clean and filled to the brim.
On full moon, festival, and holiday celebrations, five incense sticks should be lit at the God of Wealth altar. These five incense sticks represent the five directions of the gods, the five directions of heaven and earth, and the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. They can also be referred to as Yin-Yang Five Elements Incense or Heaven and Earth Five Elements Incense. The full moon is a significant time to light incense as offerings to the gods, hence the need for five incense sticks on the God of Wealth altar during these occasions.
When praying for something or seeking the God of Wealth’s blessing, three incense sticks should be lit. The number three symbolizes the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. Lighting three incense sticks helps harmonize heaven and earth and connects the yin and yang energies. It ensures that the homeowner’s wishes are witnessed and heard by the gods. In Buddhism, the three incense sticks represent the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. At the God of Wealth altar, three incense sticks represent the three realms.
On special occasions, such as the God of Wealth’s birthday or when a shaman performs a ritual for the homeowner during a private ceremony, seven incense sticks should be lit. These seven incense sticks are called the Big Dipper Seven Stars, inviting the gods and heavenly generals to witness the ceremony. Since it involves inviting heavenly generals, it requires the presence of a shaman, and the homeowner should not light the seven incense sticks casually. Doing so would be considered an unnecessary invitation to heavenly soldiers, which could lead to reprimand and punishment.
It is absolutely forbidden to light an even number of incense sticks, such as two or four, as it is considered a serious taboo in spiritual and Feng Shui practices. Even numbers are associated with the yin energy, stagnation, and a lack of fortune and development.
Lighting Incense in the Morning and Evening at the God of Wealth Altar
Timing for Lighting Incense for the God of Wealth
Incense for the God of Wealth should be lit between 7 and 9 am. If possible, the homeowner should light incense once in the morning and once in the evening before leaving for the day.
It is recommended to use candles or oil lamps on the altar, rather than flickering electric lights, as the latter can create negative energy fields.
When inserting the incense sticks into the incense burner, they should be placed in the center and not inserted diagonally. Avoid using colorful incense sticks for the God of Wealth altar.
Worshiping the God of Wealth has become a widespread belief among business owners in Vietnam. Altars dedicated to the God of Wealth can be found in various business locations, reflecting a deep-rooted cultural and spiritual practice. Therefore, lighting incense for the God of Wealth deserves special attention. In addition to lighting incense appropriately, homeowners should also keep the altar clean and perform a monthly ritual bath for the God of Wealth statue on the 10th or 14th day of each month to attract good fortune.
This information is for reference only and is subject to individual interpretation.
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