Why do we burn three incense sticks and three sticks of incense? What is the order of burning incense?

Whether we burn incense at home or in a temple, the number of incense sticks we burn is very particular. Why do we burn three incense sticks? What is the order of burning three incense sticks?

Why are there three incense sticks?

1. According to Buddhism , lighting three incense sticks represents Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
2. According to Taoism, lighting three incense sticks represents the Three Pure Ones.
3. According to folk beliefs , three lit incense sticks represent heaven, earth and man.
Ancient people burned three incense sticks, neither two nor four. This has a specific meaning, as the number "three" means "extremely large". Three incense sticks represent the greatest sincerity to ghosts and gods.

The order of burning three incense sticks

1. If there are three incense sticks, use your left hand to separate the incense. Insert the first stick in the middle of the incense burner while silently reciting the offering to the Buddha. Insert the second stick on the right while silently reciting the offering to the Dharma. Insert the third stick on the left while silently reciting the offering to the monks.
2. The three incense sticks should be in a straight line, with equal heights and distances. If it is a stick of incense, insert the incense into the middle of the incense burner with your left hand and silently recite the offerings to the Three Jewels.
3. After offering incense, put your palms together and silently pray: May this cloud of incense and flowers reach the Three Jewels directly, begging for great compassion, and bestowing happiness on all living beings.
4. After burning incense, bow to the Buddha three times before leaving.