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The Superstitions of the Ghost Month: A Guide to Attracting Luck and Fortune During this Auspicious Time

10 September, 2024

Arranging a water goblet on an altar is not only beneficial for worship feng shui but also represents a balance in altar arrangement. Experience shows that placing a water goblet in the right position can bring wealth, fortune, and luck to the homeowner.

How to place three water cups on the altar on the full moon to attract fortune and prosperity?

In the spiritual cultural life of the Vietnamese, the worship items displayed on the altar serve as a connection between the Yin and Yang for the homeowner and the Gods and ancestors. It demonstrates filial piety and remembrance of the roots and ancestors. Each region has its own unique worship practices. However, generally, a complete set of worship items includes familiar objects such as: flower vases, incense pots, candle holders, wine jugs, fruit plates, and water goblets…

The placement of water goblets on the altar usually comes in sets of 3 or 5. Depending on customs, faith, and altar size, the number of goblets can be adjusted accordingly. Typically, families will place 3 goblets on the ancestor altar.

This set of water goblets should be placed in the center of the altar horizontally, neither leaning left nor right.

Specifically, for the ancestor altar and deity altar, the water goblets are usually placed in front of the incense pot and fruit plate. Typically, this set of water goblets is placed in the horizontal center of the altar, neither leaning left nor right. If the altar has three incense pots, the water goblets will be placed in front of the middle incense pot.

For the Buddha altar, the water goblets can be placed slightly to the left or right. Additionally, a glass of water can be placed on the Buddha altar to help homeowners reflect and improve themselves.

If using a set of water, rice, and salt jars, this set will usually be placed on the ancestor and deity altar, in front of the incense pot but behind the fruit plate. This set of jars is distinct from the water goblets and should be prepared at the beginning of the year and left there for the entire year, adding more when it gets low. The water goblets, on the other hand, need to be replaced after each incense-burning session. In the set of water, rice, and salt jars, the water jar is placed in the middle, with the salt and rice jars on either side, forming a horizontal row in front of the incense pot but behind the flower vase.

How many incense sticks should be lit on the altar?

Typically, people light an odd number of incense sticks, as odd numbers are believed to represent the Yin. Here is the meaning behind the number of incense sticks according to spiritual beliefs:

– Lighting 1 incense stick: for the wish of peace.

– Lighting 3 incense sticks: The three incense sticks can bring spiritual responses, protect the family, and help ward off disasters.

– Lighting 5 incense sticks: Five incense sticks are used by spiritualists to predict fortunes and invite deities.

– Lighting 7 incense sticks: Seven incense sticks are used to invite angels, heavenly soldiers, and generals. In families, it is best not to use this type of incense unless absolutely necessary.

– Lighting 9 incense sticks: Nine incense sticks are lit to seek rescue in desperate situations where there is no other help available, and human effort cannot save the day. Thus, it is hoped that the Jade Emperor and the Ten Kings of Hell will come to the rescue. These nine incense sticks are usually arranged in three rows of three columns.