Why are fruits used for incense usually odd numbers?

On the 15th and 1st of the lunar month, death anniversaries, Tet or other spiritual holidays, families all offer incense on the altar, in which fruit is the most common offering. The number of fruits to burn incense is always odd numbers such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.

Why are the fruits offered for incense usually odd numbers?

In East Asian culture, the concept of yin and yang plays a very important role. Even numbers belong to yin, and are often considered symbols of stability and balance. Odd numbers belong to yang, are flexible, and often represent growth and development.

The custom of burning incense with an odd number of fruits shows respect to ancestors and gods and conveys the hope for development and prosperity thanks to the blessings of the gods. Odd numbers help to send people's prayers to the gods above, as a unified message that devotion and connection are not complete but always need to be nurtured and developed.

In East Asian culture, people often have the concept of avoiding even numbers in spiritual rituals or worship. Not only do incense sticks often use odd numbers, but the number of flower branches, incense sticks, and glasses of water on the altar are also odd numbers.

In wedding ceremonies, people often prefer to use odd numbers to wish for goodness and prosperity, for example 5 or 7 trays of gifts, the tray-carrying team or the betrothal gift-receiving team is also an odd number.

Notes when burning incense

Burning incense is an indispensable ritual in Vietnamese worship, a way for people to connect with gods, ancestors, and deceased relatives. Below are some important notes that you need to remember.

Choose the right incense

Choosing incense to burn requires caution, avoid using incense with chemicals that are harmful to health. Choose incense from natural ingredients such as agarwood, cinnamon or grapefruit, ensuring a pleasant and pure scent.

After use, incense should be stored in a dry place to avoid mold. It is best to use a tube or storage box to preserve the aroma and quality of the incense.

Number of incense sticks

Normally, Vietnamese people often burn 1, 3 or 5 incense sticks. Each number has its own meaning, however, you should learn about the customs of each locality or religion to perform appropriately.

Incense burning space

The incense burning space needs to be clean and airy so that the fragrance can spread best. Avoid cluttering the altar or having unrelated items, showing respect for the object you worship.

Dress and demeanor

When burning incense, you should wear modest, elegant, and serious clothing, not revealing or strange clothing. Your demeanor should be gentle and unhurried, and you should avoid talking or laughing loudly in sacred places.

When praying, you need to be sincere, say your prayers clearly and sincerely, they don't need to be too long-winded but they need to be meaningful and show respect.