Burning incense (incense) in the family, at temples, pagodas... is a long-standing custom of Vietnamese people. Normally, when burning incense, we often use common numbers such as 1, 3 or 5 sticks. So what is the meaning of burning 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 sticks of incense? Please join Sanh Nhien to refer to the information below.
Meaning of lighting 1,3,5,7,9 incense sticks
Meaning of 1 incense stick
The number 1 in incense burning is considered a special number and has many spiritual meanings. This is a positive number that represents people's desire to be blessed and supported by gods and ancestors. Through burning incense, we hope to have luck, peace and success in everything.
In addition, to achieve convenience in life, the homeowner should light an incense stick every morning and evening. This is considered a religious ritual and has profound meaning in Vietnamese culture. Burning incense every day is also a simple act but shows respect and honor for the traditional values of the country.
Besides burning incense to pray for peace, sometimes we also burn incense to remember our deceased loved ones. This means respect and gratitude to those who have been with us.
Meaning of 3 incense sticks
Number 3 in feng shui has many different meanings and concepts. Number 3 is a positive number, considered to symbolize the three worlds including Heaven (sky), Earth (earth), and Human (human).
In addition, in Buddhism, the number 3 also represents the Three Jewels (Buddha - Dharma - Sangha), the Three Realms (Desire Realm - Form Realm - Formless Realm), the Three Times (Past - Present - Future) and the Three Pure Learnings (Precepts - Concentration - Wisdom), symbolizing freedom from the bondage of distracting thoughts.
Meaning of 5 incense sticks
Burning 5 incense sticks is called Heaven and Earth Five Elements Incense or also known as Yin and Yang Five Elements Incense. The number 5 here symbolizes the five directions of heaven and earth, the five directions of the gods.
In feng shui, the Five Elements are the five elements representing Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. Normally, burning five incense sticks is only done on important occasions, such as when there is an important event of the family, the nation or the country. This symbolizes praying for peace, happiness and protection of the Five Elements in all directions, witnessing the sincerity of the representative of a family, locality or country.
Burning incense according to the five elements also shows respect, gratitude and trust in the power of nature, the universe and the gods. It is also a way to connect people with the universe and increase positive energy in each person's living space.
Meaning of 7 incense sticks
Burning seven incense sticks is called the Seven Star Incense of the North Star, symbolizing the seven Gods who rule the three worlds, including Thien Xu, Thien Toan, Thien Co, Thien Quyen, Khai Duong, Ngoc Hoanh and Giao Quang. Burning seven incense sticks at the same time is to invite the Heavenly Generals and Gods. However, if it is not necessary, there is no need to burn seven incense sticks.
Meaning of 9 incense sticks
According to feng shui experts, lighting 9 incense sticks is called Cuu cuu lien hoan huong and the incense should be placed in 3 rows and 3 columns. The top is to invite the Jade Emperor, the bottom is to invite the Ten Kings of Hell.
Burning 9 sticks of incense is considered a signal to ask for help, especially in case of emergency and when there is no human help, then it should be used. We hope that the Jade Emperor and the Ten Great Kings of Hell will save all people. Burning incense and praying will help us find strength and hope in difficult times.
Is it really important to burn incense in even or odd numbers?
In traditional incense burning and worship rituals, choosing an odd number of incense sticks carries important meanings and implications. Here are some of the meanings of burning incense:
- Respect: An odd number of incense sticks shows respect for ancestors, gods and faithful people. Burning odd number of incense sticks also shows the respect and sincerity of the incense-offering person.
- Yin-Yang Balance: In feng shui and East Asian culture, odd numbers often represent yang, while even numbers represent yin. Burning odd numbers of incense helps maintain the balance between yin and yang, bringing luck and peace to the family.
- Wishes and prayers: The odd number of incense sticks also helps the incense burner pray for the peace of the family, wishing to be protected and blessed by the spirits. At the same time, burning odd number of incense sticks also helps pray for the souls, helping them to be liberated and rest in peace.
- Liveliness: According to folk beliefs, odd numbers often represent liveliness, development and progress. Odd incense sticks help inspire belief in rising up, overcoming difficulties and developing in life.
In general, if we consider burning incense as a way to show our sincerity to the gods, grandparents, and ancestors, then the number of incense sticks, whether odd or even, is not too important. The most important thing is still the sincerity of each person.