Burning votive paper on holidays, New Year, the first day, the full moon day... has long been considered a traditional practice in Vietnamese beliefs.
However, in recent times, this practice is gradually changing at temples, pagodas and shrines in Hanoi . Instead of offering trays filled with votive papers and incense smoke, more and more people are choosing more civilized, economical and environmentally friendly forms of worship.
Talking to Lao Dong, Mr. Bui Hong Son - Deputy Head of the Management Board and Prime Minister from Quan Thanh Temple relic area (Ba Dinh, Hanoi) - said: "People and tourists often come to Quan Thanh Temple most crowdedly. on Tet holidays or at the beginning of the month.
For about 15 years now, the management board has launched programs calling on people to go to the ceremony sincerely, each person only goes to the ceremony with 1 stick of incense, and does not use much votive paper. This both avoids waste, avoids environmental pollution as well as ensures fire and explosion safety.
According to records, the number of votive papers burned at the temple has decreased significantly, only about 30% compared to before. When people and tourists come here, they tend to switch to new forms of worship such as flower arrangements, candle lighting...".
At Quan Thanh Temple, there are currently 2 furnaces for people to turn gold if needed, avoiding indiscriminate burning and turning gold.
Mr. Bui Hong Son said, 2 temples were built far from the main temple to avoid smoke and fire.
Also one of the "Thang Long Four Towns" - 4 sacred temples worshiping 4 gods guarding the 4 east, west, south and north sides of the ancient Thang Long citadel, including Quan Thanh temple (Ba Dinh district) , Kim Lien temple (Dong Da district) is a place where many people and tourists often come to worship.
Mr. Nguyen Kim Binh - Deputy Head of Kim Lien Temple Relics Management Board - talked to Lao Dong: "People are increasingly aware of the harmful effects of burning votive papers on the air and land. Young people tend to find Find more modern and meaningful forms of worship.
Going to ceremonies and worshiping economically and limiting burning of votive papers not only reduces the economic burden on people, but also minimizes air pollution, contributing to building a green - clean - beautiful city.
Particularly at Kim Lien Temple, for more than 10 years, the management board has issued a notice that people and tourists only burn incense in the yard outside, not in the main temple. This not only ensures health and air factors, but also preserves the quality and aesthetics of the altarpiece, avoiding smoke, fire, and damage."
Similar to Quan Thanh temple, Kim Lien temple also has a golden temple. Although the number of people coming to the temple is very large, the amount of votive paper burned after worshiping has been significantly reduced.
Located in Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi, Phap Hoa Pagoda still retains many valuable relics and ancient statues of 19th century art style. Many people and tourists come here to worship and visit.
According to records, there are signs here that do not burn incense, do not bring incense to the temple, and do not turn it into gold. A representative of Phap Hoa Pagoda said that the pagoda only burns incense rings, does not burn incense cards and does not burn votive paper.
"The merit is in the mind, not in worshiping or burning more or less votive paper. At ceremonies, Phap Hoa Pagoda only lights candles or 1 stick of incense (incense ring).
In addition to the spiritual aspect, there are actually many types of incense. If the incense has an unknown origin, when burned it will be toxic and affect your health. Similarly, turning gold also pollutes the environment" - said a representative of Phap Hoa Pagoda.
The restriction of burning votive papers at temples, pagodas and shrines is a good sign, showing a positive change in the awareness of Hanoi people.
