Why must there be three incense sticks？ What does each root stand for？ What should I do with the burnt fragrant roots？

　　Burning incense is an ancient and extensive traditional activity, which plays an important role in many cultures and religions. Burning incense is one of the ways to show respect and piety, whether in religious ceremonies, temple Taoist temples or at home. However, there is a common phenomenon that burning incense usually means lighting three incense sticks, which arouses people's curiosity: Why must burning incense be three sticks? What does each incense mean? And what should I do with the burnt fragrant roots?

　　Why must there be three incense sticks?

　　Burning incense generally means lighting three incense sticks, which is related to the belief in non-culture. The number "three" has always had an important symbolic significance in human civilization and has been widely used in the fields of religion, culture and mathematics. In burning incense, three incense sticks also symbolize a specific meaning, and different religions and cultures give this number different connotations.

　　What does each incense stand for?

　　Three incense sticks in Buddhism:

　　In Buddhism, burning incense is called "burning incense to worship Buddha". Burning incense and worshipping Buddha is a deeply rooted religious activity and a practice method in Buddhism. In Buddhism, three incense sticks stand for offering sacrifices to Buddhism, Buddhism and monks. These three incense sticks also symbolize three methods and realms of spiritual practice: abstinence, steadiness and wisdom.

　　Three incense sticks in Taoism

　　In Taoist incense burning, three incense sticks are usually considered to represent heaven, earth and people. The sky is the symbol of the universe, the earth is the symbol of nature, and man is the symbol of mankind. Burning three incense sticks represents the connection and respect between man and heaven. When burning incense, three incense sticks are lit, which represents the respect for the gods between heaven and earth and also symbolizes the harmonious coexistence between man and nature.

　　Another explanation of the three incense sticks in Taoism is that they represent the "Three Clearances", that is, Jade Qing Yuan Shi Tian Zun, Qing Qing Lingbao Tian Zun and Tai Qing Moral Tian Zun. These three deities have supreme status in Taoism, and lighting three incense sticks means piety to them.

　　Three incense sticks in folk customs

　　In traditional folk culture, the custom of burning incense is also very common. People often burn incense when offering sacrifices to their ancestors at home. At this time, the three incense sticks represent heaven, earth and people. This explanation is somewhat similar to the meaning in Taoism, but in folk customs, the meaning of family and affection is more emphasized.

　　The sky represents the gods between heaven and earth, the earth represents the earth and nature, and people are descendants of human beings who worship their ancestors and gods. By burning three incense sticks, people express their respect for their ancestors and gods, and hope that their families will be happy, harmonious and their descendants will prosper. In different religions and traditional cultures, the three incense sticks represent different meanings and meanings. Whether it is Buddhism, Taoism or folk customs, the three incense sticks represent the profound significance of praying to the gods and expressing piety and respect.

　　What should I do with the burnt fragrant roots?

　　The treatment of burnt incense roots is an important part of the incense burning ceremony, which embodies people's respect for the environment and the maintenance of traditional customs. In different cultures and religions, there are different ways to deal with fragrant roots. In some temples and Taoist temples, burned incense roots can be poured into big incense burners.

　　In court sacrifices, the burnt incense roots are usually buried in clean, unmanned soil, and some people choose to pour the burnt incense roots into clean running water. Either way, we should pay attention to the principles of environmental protection and civilization when dealing with burnt fragrant roots. Incense roots should not be discarded at will to avoid environmental pollution. When dealing with fragrant roots, we should choose appropriate methods, respect traditional customs, and also consider environmental protection and public health.

　　Write to the end

　　Burning incense, as an ancient and solemn ceremony, has far-reaching significance in different religions and cultures. The implication of each incense is also different, but it all reflects the piety to the gods and the treasure of traditional culture. When burning incense, we should also respect tradition and pay attention to civilization.