Incense is an essential element in the worship of the Vietnamese people. When incense burns, it conveys the thoughts and prayers of worshipers to the spirits and ancestors. The ceremony begins when the incense is lit.
In folk beliefs and feng shui, odd numbers of incense sticks are commonly used because odd numbers are considered yang, while even numbers are considered yin.
Odd numbers represent the yang energy and convey the sincere wishes and respect of those offering the incense. We don’t often see odd numbers of incense sticks because it’s a cultural habit, but in reality, sometimes even numbers of incense sticks are necessary.
The meaning of the number of incense sticks
When lighting 1 incense stick: It represents sincerity and wholehearted worship.
When lighting 2 incense sticks: It is used when paying respects to the deceased or during mourning periods, or when burning incense for spirits (such as wandering souls).
When lighting 3 incense sticks: The number 3 has multiple meanings. It can symbolize the Triple Gem of Buddhism, the past, present, and future, or the three realms of form, desire, and formlessness. The number 3 also represents three generations or spiritual beings, ancestors, spirits, and deities. It can also represent the three realms of heaven, earth, and humanity.
When lighting 5 incense sticks: The number 5 represents the five directions of heaven and earth, the five celestial beings, or the five elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth).
When lighting 7 or 9 incense sticks: The numbers 7 and 9 symbolize the “vía” of individuals. When someone wants to request blessings for themselves, men burn 7 incense sticks and women burn 9 incense sticks.
In practical terms, using 1 or 3 incense sticks is common in the daily life of the Vietnamese people. In the morning and evening, it’s common to light 1 incense stick at the altar of the God of Wealth because the number 1 is positive and represents people who sincerely seek spiritual protection, wishing for successful business transactions or good luck and well-being.
Lighting 3 incense sticks is almost universal in various ceremonies and rituals such as ancestral worship, monthly death anniversaries, tomb sweeping, weddings, funerals, and temple visits…
How many incense sticks should be lit?
When visiting a deceased person or offering incense during mourning periods, the most common practice is to light 2 incense sticks to honor the departed and pray for their peaceful afterlife.
However, when offering incense to ancestors, deities, and Buddhas, odd numbers are chosen. Due to the busy nature of temple visits, lighting 1 incense stick is sufficient to show respect and avoid the risk of overcrowding at the altar or the overwhelming smoke of incense. Lighting multiple incense sticks is unnecessary.
Notes on burning incense
The number of incense sticks is less important than the way they are burned:
– When offering incense, dress modestly and respectfully.
– Use both hands to offer incense, not just one.
– Use natural incense to avoid chemical-scented incense, which can create a sense of discomfort in the worship area.
– Do not sniff the incense while burning.
– Do not blow out the flame when lighting the incense; use your hand to extinguish it.
– Use a match to light the incense instead of a lighter.
– Do not use electric or fake incense on the altar.
– If the incense flame goes out, relight it instead of throwing it in the trash.
– Keep the incense in a dry place, handle it carefully to avoid breakage, and if the incense becomes damp or doesn’t burn properly, collect it and burn it instead of throwing it away.
This information is for reference and contemplation purposes only.
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