The Significance of Incense Offering
Incense offering is the first step in spiritual rituals. Once the incense is lit, the ceremony officially begins. For Vietnamese people, incense is not just an object, but also a symbol of reverence, representing the host’s devotion to deities and ancestors.
Incense creates a connection between the physical and spiritual realms, serving as a bridge for the host to convey their prayers and veneration to the ancestors. Therefore, without the lighting of incense, the ritual is considered incomplete.
Incense holds a sacred meaning, facilitating communication between humans and the invisible world, especially with ancestors. In some cases, even without offerings, the presence of incense is deemed sufficient for a proper ritual. Conversely, the absence of incense, despite having offerings, renders the ceremony incomplete.
Lighting incense marks the commencement of spiritual rituals.
When lighting incense, the performer usually bows respectfully, demonstrating sincerity. The act of incense offering is not only a gesture of reverence but also a way to commemorate ancestors. As the incense burns, the ceremony formally starts. The host lights incense to invite ancestors and deities to witness and serve as a conduit for the family’s prayers to reach the spiritual realm.
Whenever incense is lit, the surrounding atmosphere becomes serene, and the yin energy intensifies, signaling the arrival of ancestral spirits. Hence, on occasions like the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, or death anniversaries, the Vietnamese often light incense to connect with their ancestors, seeking protection and blessings.
During these days, the moon undergoes changes, affecting natural energies and Earth’s gravitational pull. Therefore, lighting incense plays a crucial role in seeking ancestral blessings and protection from calamities. Additionally, during events such as death anniversaries, grand openings, or Lunar New Year celebrations, lighting incense invites ancestors to join, expressing reverence and conveying well-wishes and aspirations.
Why Incense Offering Is Not Recommended in the Evening
According to spiritual beliefs, the universe abides by the law of yin and yang. Daytime symbolizes yang energy, while the night belongs to yin energy. The evening is when yin energy prevails, and the activities of spirits, ghosts, and wandering souls tend to be more vigorous, while ordinary souls also take their resting time. Therefore, lighting incense at night is believed to invite souls and intensify yin energy within the house.
The universe operates under the principle of yin and yang.
Consequently, many people refrain from lighting incense at night due to concerns about the accumulation of yin energy, which may even attract ghosts. Lighting incense in the evening can also create a gloomy and chilling atmosphere, causing unease among household members. Thus, the ancients avoided lighting incense late at night to prevent an even heavier atmosphere and to safeguard the mental and physical health of the family.
Moreover, the evening is a time for rest and family gatherings. The presence of incense smoke and its scent can disrupt the ambiance and cause discomfort, especially in an enclosed space. For these reasons, lighting incense at night may not be conducive to health and the spiritual atmosphere in the home. Most people will light incense during the day, except on special occasions like New Year’s Eve.
Notes on Incense Offering
On the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, it is customary to light incense in the morning. It is advisable to avoid lighting incense after noon, as this is when yang energy is at its peak, making it unsuitable for worship.
Incense signifies the sincerity of the host, so when choosing incense for offerings, opt for clean, high-quality ones, steering clear of low-quality chemical incense or those prone to dampness and mold.
Avoid lighting too many incense sticks simultaneously, as it may pose a fire hazard or create a stuffy environment detrimental to health. When lighting incense, ensure the main door of the worship room is open for ventilation, preventing hazardous drafts.
Keep children, the elderly, and the infirm away from places with excessive incense smoke, as it may adversely affect their health.
When lighting incense, use odd numbers such as one, three, or five sticks. Typically, one or three sticks are sufficient; there is no need to light too many.
After lighting the incense, gently wave your hand to extinguish the flame instead of blowing it out with your mouth, as the latter may convey disrespect and carry the risk of bacterial infection.
When storing incense on the altar, ensure it is kept in a dry place to prevent dampness and breakage.
At home, only burn incense sticks or cones; avoid inserting the incense stick’s base into the incense burner, as this may bring bad luck. Inserting the base of the incense stick is usually reserved for large temples, shrines, and pagodas. Doing so at home can create negative energy, affecting the ancestors’ souls and potentially causing disharmony within the family.
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In worship, water is essential, but why do some rituals use plain water?
The Altar’s Fruitful Warning: A Single Banana Bunch is Prosperity, a Pair Brings Calamity.
The practice of combining two banana stalks to create a larger offering is a common but ill-advised shortcut. According to Feng Shui principles, this makeshift arrangement can lead to financial setbacks and misfortune. It is believed that the imbalance created by the combined stalks disrupts the harmonious energy flow, resulting in negative consequences. A single, ample banana stalk is always the preferred choice for a prosperous and auspicious offering.
The Ancient’s Wisdom: “7 Won’t Bury the Father, 8 Won’t Bury the Mother” – Unraveling the Mystery
“Burying a parent is one of the toughest moments in life, and the old adage, ‘7 won’t bury their father, 8 won’t bury their mother’ is a poignant reminder of the complexities of life and death. This proverb, passed down through generations, holds a deeper meaning that isn’t always readily understood.”
The Ancient Wisdom: “Avoid Burning Incense at Night” – Unraveling the Reasoning
“In the bygone days, elders imparted wisdom to their descendants about the practice of abstaining from burning incense in the evening. This traditional advice was rooted in a myriad of reasons, which we will explore and unravel in the following paragraphs.”
The Ancestors’ Warning: Steer Clear of Bringing Bananas to Year-End Grave Visits.
Banana is a common fruit on the altar, but it is not suitable for offering at graveside ceremonies.
