SPIRAL JOSS STICKS
This is how religious Chinese people pay homage to GOD OF SKY during new year season…
Some people attach name tags in which they include the name of the person they are dedicating to…
Not to be outdone, this is outside the temple… the layout seems uniformly admiring…
SPIRAL JOSS STICKS
Joss sticks are a type of incense used in many East Asian countries, traditionally burned before a Chinese religious image, idol or shrine. They can also be burned in front of a door, or open window as an offering to heaven, or devas. In modern days, joss sticks can be used for any purpose, such as to enhance the smell of a room, or to light fire crackers. Joss sticks are religious materials in China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines, Korea and Japan.
Joss stick burning is an everyday practice in traditional Chinese religion. There are many different types of joss sticks used for different purposes or on different festive days. Many of them are long and thin and are mostly colored yellow, red, and more rarely, black. Thick joss sticks are used for special ceremonies, such as funerals. Spiral joss sticks are also used on a regular basis, which are found hanging above temple ceilings, with burn times that are exceedingly long. In some states, such as Taiwan, Singapore, or Malaysia, where they celebrate the Ghost Festival, large, pillar-like dragon joss sticks are sometimes used.
SHOOTING
It was Chinese New Year eve. I went down to the Latha Chinese shrine to pay homage. I was alone. Yes, I always go there alone or sometimes, with my Dad. When I arrived the entrance of the temple, I was startled. I saw hundreds of spiral joss sticks hanging around the ceiling of the temple. This is ONCE-A-YEAR event to celebrate Chinese New Year. So I decided to have some shots to come up with this documentary.
superb!