Deities and Faith
What do seven flower pots and seven purification burners mean when welcoming deities?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Seeing the arrangement suggested seven's associations with peace, auspiciousness, and light to me. However, I did not specifically ask the temple. This was my understanding, not established knowledge of the organizer's sole intention.
At Songshan Cihui Temple, a red carpet welcomed deities into the main hall, and the offering table held seven flower pots and seven purification burners. Flowers welcomed and burners expressed cleansing. The arrangement made the occasion solemn and offered a way to learn ritual details.
Seven has many religious associations, including three hun and seven po, the Northern Dipper, and Seven Stars lamps. I interpreted it through the Dipper and a bright path, while the program also wondered about the seven fairies. Different traditions may interpret differently.
A repeated number need not have only one answer. Personal understanding can begin learning, while unasked questions remain open. One observed arrangement cannot become a requirement that every temple copy it.