In Vietnamese culture, incense burning is an indispensable ritual, especially on the first and full moon days of the lunar month. However, there is one taboo that not everyone knows about: avoiding burning incense in the evening on these days. So, what is the reason behind this taboo? Let’s explore this further from spiritual, feng shui, and logical perspectives.
1. The Significance of Burning Incense on the First and Full Moon Days
According to Vietnamese folk spiritual beliefs, the first day of the lunar month marks the beginning of a new month, while the full moon (15th day) symbolizes completion and fullness. Burning incense on these two occasions serves the following purposes:
- Honoring ancestors and inviting them to witness our sincerity.
- Praying for wealth, health, and peace for the entire family.
- Warding off misfortune and creating positive energy for the new month.
Incense burning is more than just a ritual; it holds a profound spiritual meaning and serves as a “connection” between the living and the afterlife. Not burning incense implies that the ceremony has not yet begun, and without offering incense to the ancestral altar, one cannot start praying.
2. Why Should You Avoid Burning Incense in the Evening on the First and Full Moon Days?
The taboo against burning incense in the evening is a folk belief that may stem from the following reasons:
2.1. Spiritual Perspective: According to the ancient yin-yang theory, evenings are when yin energy is at its peak, and yang energy weakens. As night falls and stillness envelops the surroundings, it is believed that spirits and wandering souls are more likely to appear. Burning incense during this time, especially on the first and full moon days, may unintentionally invite these lost souls into your home. With stronger yin energy and more hungry ghosts on these days, the chances of attracting them increase.
Burning incense in the evening may fail to invite ancestors to witness your sincerity, but it could instead attract negative energies into your home, affecting the family’s luck, wealth, and health.
2.2. Feng Shui Perspective: In feng shui, maintaining a balance between yin and yang energies is crucial for a harmonious life. Morning, especially from 6 am to 9 am, is when yang energy is at its most positive, making it suitable for rituals and prayers. Burning incense during this time activates positive energy, attracting good fortune and peace.
On the contrary, burning incense in the evening, when yin energy prevails, can disrupt this balance and cause energetic turmoil within the house. This is especially important to avoid in homes with young children, elderly individuals, or those with weak auras.
2.3. Avoiding Misunderstandings from the Afterlife: Some spiritual beliefs suggest that if incense is burned in the evening, unliberated souls may mistake it for a ritual meant for them. They may “linger” in the living space, creating a gloomy and oppressive atmosphere and sometimes leading to unexplained spiritual phenomena.
2.4. Evening is for Rest: In reality, burning incense in the evening often presents more disadvantages than during the day. Evenings are when families unwind and rest, with closed doors and windows. The smoke from incense can cause respiratory issues and affect sleep, especially if chemical incense is used. Moreover, the darkness of the night can heighten feelings of fear and unease. It is best to focus on relaxation and refrain from performing any loud or spiritual rituals during this time.
3. The Best Time for Burning Incense
Our ancestors have always advised burning incense in the early morning on the first and full moon days, preferably before 9 am. This timing is not only favorable in terms of feng shui but also ensures that the person performing the ritual is alert and focused, making their prayers more effective.
Many families uphold the tradition of “early morning incense burning” as a way to honor their ancestors and instill virtues of kindness and good deeds. This tradition also reinforces the belief that burning incense late at night deviates from these values.
4. What If There Are Unavoidable Circumstances?
While it is advisable to avoid burning incense in the evening, there may be unavoidable circumstances, such as returning home late from work or traveling. In such cases, the following alternatives can be considered:
- Burn incense in the afternoon before sunset, preferably between 4 pm and 5:30 pm.
- If you must burn incense in the evening, maintain a calm mind, keep the windows open for airflow, and burn an odd number of incense sticks (1 or 3), refraining from offering food or burning joss paper.
- Specifically address your ancestors and deities when praying to avoid confusion among wandering souls.
Conclusion: Avoiding incense burning in the evening on the first and full moon days is not mere superstition but a culmination of folk experience combined with feng shui and spiritual reasoning. The most important factors remain sincerity, proper timing, and correct ritual practices. Maintaining the tradition of early morning incense burning on significant days not only preserves cultural values but also contributes to a peaceful and serene living environment for the entire family.
Reference for spiritual contemplation
