Incense burning is an integral part of Vietnamese spiritual and religious practices, serving as a means to connect the living with their ancestors and deities. It is seen as a way to show respect and devotion to the revered ancestors and gods. However, it is believed that burning incense in the evening is not advisable, and there are specific reasons and alternative timings associated with this tradition.
**The Beliefs Behind Avoiding Incense Burning at Night**
The day is considered Yang, while the night is Yin in the traditional belief. With the night comes a prevalence of Yin energy, and burning incense during this time is thought to invite not only ancestral spirits but also unwanted entities, potentially leading to misfortune. Thus, it is a common practice to refrain from burning incense after dark to prevent negative energies from entering the home. This belief is mitigated in temples, as the presence of Buddha and deities provides protection.
According to the same line of thought, the morning is deemed the most auspicious time, when the air is pure and fresh, creating an ideal environment for communication with ancestors and deities. In contrast, the evening signifies darkness, endings, and rest, making it conducive to negative influences and evil spirits. Therefore, burning incense at night may disrupt the sanctity and purity intended for this act of worship.
Psychologically, the night can induce fear, especially in ancient times when electricity was absent and oil lamps were expensive. Darkness increased the risks associated with activities, further discouraging people from performing many tasks after sunset. This fear of the dark could easily lead to thoughts of ghosts and the belief that burning incense at night might attract unwanted supernatural entities.
Additionally, the act of worship should be conducted solemnly and reverently. However, the darkness of night diminishes the solemn atmosphere, falling short of the required reverence. People are also more likely to be tired and less focused at night. Unless there is an immediate need for prayer or supplication, important rituals should be reserved for the daytime to demonstrate respect for ancestors and deities.
**Timing of Incense Burning and Ritual Duration**
After the worship ritual, the host will offer the sacrificial food to the family to share. According to traditional rituals, the host should wait for three incense sticks to burn out before ending the ritual. The burning time of an incense stick can vary depending on its type. However, the host does not necessarily have to wait for the first stick to burn out completely before lighting the next one; they can light the next stick when the previous one is halfway done.
In modern times, with time constraints, worship rituals have become more simplified. Many families burn only two incense sticks, and some even one, waiting for it to burn out before making their prayers and ending the ritual.
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