2. Essentials for burning Little Houses (refer to Figure 10)
Figure 10 Essentials for Burning Little Houses
- Tweezers for gripping the Little House, preferably brand new.
- Plain white porcelain or chinaware plate to hold the ashes of the burnt Little House. It must be new and preferably with no design. It should not be made of metal, neither should it be a bowl, and it must not be used to serve food or for any other purpose once it has been used for burning Little Houses.
- Matches or lighters – if you have access to a Buddhist altar, Little Houses can be lit directly from the oil lamps thereon. However, it is not advisable to do so. It is best to light a Little House with matches or lighters instead.
- Paper napkins or envelopes – for wrapping the ashes of burnt Little Houses and disposing of them appropriately.
- After use, the plate, the tweezers and other tools for burning Little Houses should not be left exposed at home or near the Buddhist altar unless they are wrapped up in a piece of red fabric.
