The Act of Burning Incense During Worship: Understanding its Significance
The Significance of Burning Incense During Worship
Burning incense has been a longstanding tradition in the spiritual worship culture of Vietnamese and several Asian countries. Lighting incense marks the beginning of a spiritual connection and prayer. The smoke from the incense sticks carries the prayers and wishes of the worshipper to the deities and ancestors.
Thus, burning incense holds great importance. The burning incense signifies the ongoing connection between the ancestors and their descendants.
Once the offerings are prepared and presented at the altar, the incense is lit, marking the start of the worship ritual. Without the lighting of incense, the ritual has not officially commenced. Hence, burning incense is an indispensable part of worship. The smoke from the incense sticks announces the beginning of the ritual and serves as a gateway to the spiritual realm. Consequently, the timing of lighting and extinguishing the incense is of utmost importance.
Extinguishing the incense and receiving the offerings (known as “ha le thu loc” in Vietnamese) signifies the end of the spiritual connection. Therefore, there is an appropriate time for this ritual, and it should not be performed at any moment.
The Significance of Burning Incense
How Long Should Incense Burn Before Extinguishing the Ritual?
According to traditional customs, it is believed that three sticks of incense should be burned consecutively before performing the ritual of extinguishing the incense and offering the paper effigies to the deities and ancestors (“hoa vang” in Vietnamese). Only after this ritual can the descendants receive and consume the offerings, if there is a feast. Each stick of incense is burned for a specific duration, typically ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of incense. Incense for purification and fragrance may burn for a longer period. However, incense used for worship usually burns for 10 to 30 minutes. Therefore, performing the ritual of extinguishing the incense prematurely is considered disrespectful, while delaying it may also have its drawbacks.
Typically, after extinguishing the incense, the paper effigies are also burned. Hence, it is not necessary to wait for the complete burning of three sticks of incense before performing the ritual. Instead, the ritual can be performed after the first stick of incense has burned about two-thirds of its length, and then the paper effigies can be burned. After this, the food offerings can be consumed.
To burn three sticks of incense consecutively, the second stick is lit when about two-thirds of the first stick has burned.
Today, the ritual has been simplified, and it is not necessary to burn three sticks of incense consecutively. Instead, the ritual can be performed after burning about two-thirds of the first stick of incense, followed by offering the paper effigies and receiving the blessings.
Timing is Key: Neither Too Early nor Too Late
However, some families may choose to leave the offerings on the altar until the end of the day, and certain dry offerings like fruits, cakes, candies, and paper money may even be left for several days.
Performing the ritual of extinguishing the incense too early or too late is not advisable. Leaving the offerings on the altar for an extended period may attract flies and mosquitoes, causing hygiene issues and disrupting the altar’s energy field. The paper money, if left too long, may become damp and moldy, which is not conducive to the altar’s energy. Overripe fruits may spoil and attract ants, cockroaches, and flies, creating an unhygienic environment.
Therefore, it is best to perform the ritual of extinguishing the incense and offering the paper effigies soon after the worship ritual is completed. If the prayer or ritual is lengthy and extends beyond the burning of one stick of incense, a new stick should be lit when the previous one is about to finish burning. However, if the ritual concludes before the first stick of incense is completely burned, it is acceptable to perform the ritual when about two-thirds of the incense has burned.
Additional Notes on Burning Incense
It is advisable to offer vegetarian food or lightly seasoned dishes for worship, avoiding strong-smelling or raw food.
When burning incense, opt for natural incense sticks to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
Be cautious when burning multiple incense sticks to prevent fire hazards.
Avoid burning incense in enclosed spaces, and ensure that the altar is not exposed to strong winds or rain.
This information is based on traditional beliefs and practices.
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