Choosing an Urn (選對一個好香爐)

How to choose a more accurate Incenses Urn (Holder)?

Many people have been asking, “What are the suitable types of Urn that we shall buy for our Altar at home?”, “Are there any differences for Urns dedicating to Deities and Ancestors, etc?”

My answer is Yes.

So what are the differences?

Firstly, Deities and Ancestors can never share the same Urn.

Secondly, the different materials that used to make the Urn for Deities and Ancestors.

Thirdly, Heavenly Deities’ Urn, Tu Di Gong’s Urn and, if there’s any, Nether World Deities’ Urn also must be separated and the materials used are also different.

So, let us start with the basic – choosing an Urn.

When you reach a shop that sells Urns, firstly, explain carefully to the assistant of the shop that you are getting an Urn for who (an experience assistant will know how to introduce the type of Urns to you upon your request), usually they will get the correct one for you.

If they don’t, then you will have to look out for yourself.

Firstly: Material

For Deities, always choose those made of Metal (for Buddhism, can choose Crystal/Jade Urn).

For Ancestors, always get those made of Porcelain, if not, glass or clay.

For Tu Di Gong and Nether World Deities, same as for Ancestors.

Secondly: Outlook

For Deities, always choose an Urn with the “Ears” on it and 3 Legs supporting the Urn.


How the Ears look like?

Usually they are in the form of Lion Head, same will be Dragon Head, or some, biting onto a ring (for carrying) – refer to Picture One.

So what’s the meaning for that?

The Urn’s Ears represents the continuity of the Family Line (Generations). In the past, it’s a taboo of not getting Urns with “Ears”, usually when the elders found out that the Urn is “Ear-less”, they will usually request for a Change.

The 3 Legs, the Transformation of 3 Generals/Demons who are “chosen” to carry the Urn for the Deities.

For Ancestors (Tu Di, Nether World Deities), we will usually choose Urns made of other Material besides Metal and also, no Ears attached to it – refer to Picture Two.

NOTE: To get an Urn with Heavy/Steady Base (This will help to bless the Family with smooth and steady Future/Luck).

After getting the Urn, how shall we get going with it?

Usually at the shop, after you decide on which Urn to buy back, the assistant will wrap it up with Red paper (as a form of respect, no other meaning), for some good shops, they will even give up a pack of 5 Grains (5 Color Beans) or the 7 Gems/8 Treasures – for the enhancing of the Urn use.

After getting the Urn, try not to go somewhere else to shop, return home immediately.

Upon reaching home, placed the wrap up Urn at a high level area, do not allowed others to touch it till the day of Enhancing of the Urn (Auspicious Day).

So who shall be engaged for the Enhancing of the Urn?

Nowadays, many people will tend to engage Feng Shui Masters or Mediums to do the Enhancing.

But, if you are able to afford it, engaged a Taoist Priest to perform the Ritual, cos at the same time, the Priest might be able to conduct the Dotting of Statues Ceremony for you.

So after the Enhancing of the Urn, what shall be done?

After that, the burning of Incenses shall continue for at least 3 days. Reason, to keep the Xiang Huo (Continuity of Past, Current and Future Blessings) going non-stop.

But we can’t get hold of such a “LONG” Incense?

Ha ha, good question. Get those “Pagoda Incenses” – coiled up Incense, this will be able to last a longer period, keep changing it or adding on to it before it stop burning.

NOTE: Beware of the ashes, some dropped ashes can cause Fire, during these 3 days, arranged for someone to be at home looking after it.