Incense Sticks Burn In Large Ceremonial Temple Urn
by Jo Ann Tomaselli
Title
Incense Sticks Burn In Large Ceremonial Temple Urn
Artist
Jo Ann Tomaselli
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The aroma of burning incense is reputed to be a method of purifying the surroundings, bringing forth an assembly of buddhas, bodhisattvas, gods, demons, and the like. The formula and scent of the incense sticks used in various temples throughout Asia vary widely.
When traveling, one finds that many of the major religions include the use of incense in their traditional worship; These include but are not limited to Taoist, Christian, Hindu, Judaic and Neopagan practices.
In Vietnam, where this image was taken, and where the Buddhist religion is practiced, religious devotees burn incense sticks in their prayer rituals. Incense urns, located in both temples and homes, are a major component of devotional alters. In Chinese Taoist and Buddhist temples, the inner spaces are scented with thick coiled incense, which are either hung from the ceiling or on special stands. Worshipers at the temples light and burn sticks of incense in small or large bundles, which they wave or raise above the head while bowing to the statues or plaques of a deity or an ancestor.
Uploaded
June 8th, 2013
Embed
Share
Similar Images
Comments (69)
Lee Craig
Revisiting this wonderful peek into Vietnamese culture. Such a really interesting image and narrative...sharing!
James Aiken
Love the lighting and details in this composition Jo Ann. The smoke is especially pleasing.
Steven Reed
Wonderful capture! Perfect lighting, to capture the essence of the smoke, I can smell the Incense burning! Well done!
James Aiken
Really like the symmetry and the capture of the smoke wafting away from the incence. Great work Jo Ann. v
Lincoln Rogers
That is quite an eye catching image, Jo Ann! Smoke is so photographic and it makes each photo unique. Nice capture. v49
Recently Viewed
