The significance of trimming incense sticks
First of all, “trimming incense sticks” can be understood as fundamentally “tidying up the seat” for ancestors or gods (usually Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao) after a year of “working”.
The timing of trimming incense sticks
For the altar of Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao, there is no clear rule that trimming incense sticks must be done before or after farewell to the gods. However, people usually do it after the prayer ceremony to avoid “offending” the gods and to prepare a new and clean “seat” when the gods return from heaven.
The process of preparing offerings and incense trays
Before conducting the prayer ceremony, you need to prepare offerings and incense trays as follows:
1 plate of sticky rice
1 boiled meat
1 plate of seasonal fruits
1 teapot and 5 small cups
3 small cups of alcohol
1 cup of boiling water to cool
3 gold bills
2 vases of flowers
The steps of trimming incense sticks
Here is the way to trim incense sticks according to the beliefs of the ancient people, in order to avoid feng shui violations and attract the luck of the homeowner.
Step 1
Ask for permission from ancestors or spirits
The person trimming the incense sticks needs to clean themselves, dress neatly, and then light incense to notify the ancestors or spirits that they are going to clean the altar. This is done with the intention of inviting the ancestors and spirits to temporarily retreat to another place so that the cleaning work of the descendants does not affect them.
Step 2
Read the incense trimming worship text
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
I humbly pay my respects to the 9 directions, 10 directions Buddhas, and 10 directions Buddhas
I humbly pay my respects to the Jade Emperor, Heavenly Emperor, five directions, five elements, Earth God, and all the Heavenly Generals.
My name is:………………
Residing at:………………
I humbly pay my respects to the Earth Deity, who is currently in charge at the address:………
Today is the day ……… month ……., I request permission to reorganize the altar of the officials so that it is clean and I hope the honorable ones will approve.
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
Nam mô a di đà Phật!
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
Step 3
Proceed to clean the altar
We can move flower vases, water cups, incense burners, and lamps… but must keep the incense tray and the offerings fixed. Proceed to clean the offerings with a mixture of wine and ginger, or warm water, absolutely not using cold water. If there are both offerings of Buddha, saints, and ancestors on the altar, clean the Buddha’s offerings first, then pour out the old water and replace it with fresh water before cleaning the ancestors’ offerings.
Trim the incense sticks
With the incense tray, we trim the incense sticks, but we must leave at least an odd number of stick ends (like 3, 5, 7, 9), and the ends that are left must be the most beautiful ones.
Handle the ashes
For the trimmed incense sticks, light them and release the ashes into the river or use them as fertilizer for plants. Do not dispose of them indiscriminately.
Light incense after completion
After that, the homeowner proceeds to light incense to inform the ancestors and gods that the cleaning has been completed.
Prayer text before removing the incense trays
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật (3 times)
My name is:
Residing at:
Today, this day of…, I have noticed that I have not been complete, so the offering table is slightly dusty, and it has not been purified and quiet.
I would like to inform the honorable ones (depending on the altar, whether worshiping spirits, guardian spirit, or ancestors…), I have chosen good days and months for today, please allow me to conduct the purification so that the altar is solemn and pure, hoping that the honorable ones will approve.
I hope all the honorable ones will temporarily retreat, and allow me to clean it meticulously, so that the offering table is clean and beautiful, the incense tray is fragrant, the sound part is peaceful, and the house is joyful. Let the offering not be moved, let the good fortune not be diminished.
We are mere mortals, with sins and mistakes filled in our bodies, we only know how to be respectful and sincere, if there is any wrongdoing and mistakes, please forgive and forgive us.
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật (3 times).
Prayer text for offering and incense trays
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật!
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật!
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật!
My name is: …………………
Residing at: ……………………….
Today, this day of …, after perceiving that I have not been complete, making the offering tray dusty, I sincerely repent.
I would like to inform the honorable ones (depending on the altar, whether worshiping spirits, guardian spirit, or ancestors…), after choosing a good day and month, I would like to ask for permission to purify the offering tray, hoping that the honorable ones will prove and protect.
I hope you allow me to meticulously clean it, so that the offering is neat and beautiful, the sound part is peaceful, and the dwelling place is located. Let the fortune not be disturbed, let the luck not be wasted.
I have a pure mind.
I offer with a solemn mind.
If there is any deficiency in the offering tray, please forgive and protect.
I hope all the honorable ones will descend with their sacred presence, we respectfully inform you.
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật!
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật!
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật!
Note when trimming incense sticks
The person trimming incense sticks is usually the homeowner or the person responsible for conducting the prayer ceremony. Before trimming incense sticks, they must clean themselves, their hair, dress neatly, and be respectful, especially clean their hands.
It is also important to note that during the cleaning process, one should maintain a pure mind and sincere respect for the higher beings.
All tools used to trim incense sticks should be new and clean, or they can be old objects but exclusively used for cleaning the altar.
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