Joss Sticks (by Trung Duong)

     Joss stick is the name given to incense stick made from sandalwoods, and releases fragrant smoke when burned. Many of joss sticks are long and thin and are mostly colored yellow and red.
     There are many different purposes of using joss sticks, but most of them associated with ritual and religious devotion. In China, joss sticks burned in front of a family's house are believed to protect the family from evil spirits. It is also believed to be a way to send prayers to the gods and to one's ancestors especially when burned at a temple.
     Joss stick can be found in many Buddhist's sacred sites, and different festive days like: Buddhist's New Year, Vesak, Ploughing Festival. They are being used in Chinese influenced East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, traditionally burned before the threshold of a home or business, before an image of Chinese popular religion divinity or spirit of place, or in small and humple or large and elaborate shrine found at the main entrance to each and every village. Here the Earth God is propitiated in the hope of bringing wealth and health.