The Meaning of the Ancestral Altar’s Incense Burner
The Significance of the Incense Burner on the Ancestral Altar
The incense burner on the ancestral altar is not just an ordinary object, it holds a sacred meaning and serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. When descendants light incense on the altar, they have the opportunity to express their reverence, gratitude, and pleas to their ancestors. This is a time for them to pray and voice their wishes and hopes, believing that their ancestors will listen and bring blessings to the family.
On special occasions, such as major holidays, the full moon, or the first day of the month, lighting incense takes on an even deeper meaning. The incense sticks are not just symbols of respect but also serve as a sacred invitation for the ancestors to join in the celebrations, share in the offerings, and protect the family’s health, peace, and happiness.
On special occasions, such as major holidays, the act of lighting incense holds even greater significance.
The Proper Placement of the Incense Burner According to Feng Shui
Placing the incense burner on the altar is not just a ritualistic act but also carries profound spiritual significance. Firstly, as a sign of reverence and to seek permission from the divine, it is customary to prepare offerings such as a vase of flowers, a cup of tea or wine, and a plate of fruit. Performing this ritual during important events like a housewarming or the setting up of a new altar adds to its solemnity and meaning.
Once the preparations are complete, the incense burner should be placed in the center of the altar, approximately 15cm from the edge. This distance facilitates the convenience of incense-burning and the arrangement of offerings.
Lastly, the arrangement of the incense burner should consider the number of burners, the scale of the altar, and the unique characteristics of each family. This setup is not merely a rule but also reflects the descendants’ reverence and gratitude towards their ancestors.
Altar with One Incense Burner
An altar with a single incense burner is commonly found in smaller families or in mini apartments, rented rooms, or boarding houses. Intended for the worship of deities and ancestors, this burner takes up minimal space, creating a neat and easily arranged altar. Typically, the burner is positioned in the center of the altar, approximately 15cm from the edge, making it convenient for incense-burning and offering placement.
Altar with Two Incense Burners
On an altar with two incense burners, the arrangement is as follows: The burner for deity worship is placed 15cm from the edge of the altar and elevated by about 10cm. The burner for ancestor worship is placed below the altar, with a distance of 10 to 15cm from the deity worship burner.
The arrangement of two incense burners on an altar: the burner for deity worship is elevated and the one for ancestor worship is placed below.
Altar with Three Incense Burners
When setting up an altar with three incense burners, the largest burner, intended for deity worship, is placed in the center and at the highest point. The two smaller burners for ancestor worship and the worship of Ông Mãnh Bà Cô are placed on either side. Specifically, the ancestor worship burner is on the right, and the Ông Mãnh Bà Cô burner is on the left, from the perspective of someone standing in front of the altar. To ensure safety and prevent burning incense sticks from setting each other ablaze, maintain a distance of 10 to 15cm between the burners.
Altar with Four Incense Burners
In Buddhist families, an altar with four incense burners usually includes one burner dedicated to the worship of Buddha, placed at the top. The remaining three burners are arranged horizontally, similar to the setup described for three burners.
Altar with Five Incense Burners
An altar with five incense burners is typically used for worshipping ancestors from both the paternal and maternal sides of the family. The specific arrangement is as follows: The burner for deity worship is placed at the highest point, approximately 20cm from the edge, and in the center of the altar. The burner for worshipping paternal ancestors is placed on the right, elevated by about 10-15cm, while the burner for maternal ancestors is placed on the left, right below the altar. The burner for Ông Mãnh Bà Cô worship on the paternal side is placed on the right, below the altar, and at a distance of 10-15cm from the paternal ancestor burner. Similarly, the burner for Ông Mãnh Bà Cô worship on the maternal side is placed on the left, below the altar, and at a distance of 10-15cm from the maternal ancestor burner.
An altar with five incense burners is often used for worshipping ancestors from both the paternal and maternal sides of the family.
Important Considerations When Arranging Incense Burners on the Ancestral Altar
Choosing an Incense Burner
When selecting an incense burner, ensure that it is not chipped or cracked. Avoid burners with writings or those bearing Chinese characters. Instead, opt for burners with dragon and phoenix motifs. Additionally, refrain from choosing burners in yellow, pink, or red, as these colors are typically reserved for royalty and are used in temples, pagodas, and shrines.
Purifying the Incense Burner
Before placing the incense burner on the altar, the homeowner should thoroughly purify it after purchase. Use a mixture of clean water, alcohol, ginger, and salt to remove any impurities. You may also add a few jasmine or rose petals to eliminate odors and impart a pure and pleasant fragrance to the worship space.
Preparing the Incense Burner for Use
After purifying and drying the incense burner, line the bottom with a gold-plated sheet and fill it with specialized ash. This ensures the burner’s cleanliness and prepares it for worship in a solemn and sacred manner.
Information provided is for reference only.
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