What does it mean to punish incense sticks?

Incense utensils commonly used in traditional sacrificial ceremonies in China.

The function of the penalty stick is to punish those who make mistakes. When you use it, you need to light incense charcoal, cover the cigarette and stick a piece of paper with the word "penalty" written on it, which means to punish someone and let him correct his mistake.

In modern society, the use of penalty incense has been greatly reduced, but it is still retained and used in some traditional religious customs and folk activities.