Heidi Norton
Incense is a significant part of Catholic funeral rites, with the smoke of burning incense seen as a symbol of the deceased's soul ascending to heaven. The use of incense at funerals is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church, and its origins can be traced back to the early church when Jews used incense in temple rituals. The specific type of incense used may vary between parishes, with some using frankincense as the main ingredient and others opting for myrrh, but its purpose remains the same—to symbolise the connection between earthly and heavenly worship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense usage in Catholic funerals | Burning incense is a tradition in Catholic funerals, symbolising the rising of the prayers of the faithful to heaven |
| Ingredient | Frankincense is the main ingredient, but this may vary across parishes, with some using myrrh as the primary ingredient |
| Number of ingredients | Parishes may use up to 13 ingredients to enhance the aroma |
| Other ingredients | Myrrh, benzoin, and other resinous and aromatic ingredients (e.g. styrax, opoponax) plus essential oils |
| Allergies | In some cases, people may be allergic to incense, and it may not be used at the funeral Mass |
| Usage during funeral | Incense is used at the casket in the church and at the cemetery |
| Symbolic meaning | The smoke from burning incense symbolises the ascension to heaven of the soul of the deceased |
| Religious significance | The use of incense during funerals is rooted in the Old Testament, where God instructed Moses to build an altar of incense |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is used to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven
Incense is an important part of Catholic worship and is used at various points during a funeral service. The smoke from the incense is seen as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is referenced in the Bible:
> "Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering." (Psalm 141:2)
The Book of Revelation also describes incense as an image of worship offered to God in heaven:
> "The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers of the holy ones, went up before God from the angel's hand." (Revelation 8:4)
The use of incense in Catholic funeral rites is steeped in tradition and has been practised for a long time. It is used to symbolise the connection between worship on earth and worship in heaven. During a funeral, incense is used at the casket in the church and at the cemetery. The smoke is believed to signify the ascension of the deceased's soul to heaven.
The type of incense used may vary among Catholic parishes. Frankincense is typically the main ingredient, but myrrh is also commonly used, along with other aromatic substances like benzoin, styrax, and opoponax. These ingredients are chosen for their pleasant fragrances and symbolic significance.
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It symbolises reverence and prayer
Incense is used in Catholic funeral rites to symbolise reverence and prayer. The smoke from the incense is seen as an image of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is referenced in the Bible, in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering".
Incense is also mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation: "The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel". The apostle John writes that the elders held "gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones".
The use of incense in Catholic funeral rites is a tradition that has been practised for a long time by the Church. It is used to symbolise the rising of the soul of the deceased to heaven, and the prayers of the faithful rising to God. Incense is also used to show honour and respect to the deceased, whose body became the temple of the Holy Spirit at Baptism.
The use of incense in religious rituals is not unique to Catholicism. It has been used in religious practice since ancient times, including in Hindu, Taoist, Shinto, and Mandaean rituals.
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It's used to purify the Tabernacle
Incense has been used in Catholic funeral rites for a long time, and its use is deeply rooted in tradition. The burning of incense during Catholic funeral masses is a symbolic practice that represents the rising of the prayers of the faithful to heaven. This symbolism is referenced in Psalm 141:2, where it is written, "Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands, an evening offering".
The use of incense during Catholic funeral rites is also symbolic of the purification of the Tabernacle. In the Old Testament, God instructed Moses on how to build the Tabernacle, which was the travelling temple of God. God also provided Moses with a recipe for making the incense to be used in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was to house the Ark of the Testimony, where the presence of God was. Aaron, the first High Priest, was instructed to burn incense on the altar each morning and at twilight as a regular offering to the Lord.
The altar of incense was considered most holy to the Lord and was to be atoned with the blood of sacrifice. The smoke from the burning incense signified God's constant guiding presence, reminding the people of the pillar of smoke that led them through the wilderness during the day and the pillar of fire that guided them at night.
The use of incense in Catholic funeral rites serves to purify the Tabernacle by symbolically cleansing it with the smoke of incense, representing the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This act of purification honours the sacred nature of the Tabernacle and acknowledges God's presence within it.
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It's used at different points during the service
Incense is used at different points during a Catholic funeral service. The officiant, usually a priest, uses incense at the entrance procession, at the start of Mass, before the gospel is proclaimed, and following the placement on the altar of the bread and the chalice. Incense is also used at the casket in the church and at the cemetery.
The use of incense during a Catholic funeral service is steeped in symbolism. The smoke from the burning incense is seen as a representation of the deceased's soul ascending to heaven. This symbolism is also present in Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering." Incense is also mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation as a symbol of worship offered to God in heaven: "The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel."
The use of incense in Catholic funeral rites is a long-standing tradition. While there is no exact date for when it was introduced, it has been practised for a long time by the Church founded by Christ. The tradition is believed to have originated from early Jewish temple rituals, as mentioned in the Old Testament, where God instructed Moses to build an altar of incense.
The specific type of incense used in Catholic funeral services may vary. Frankincense is the primary ingredient in Roman Catholic incense, but some parishes may use myrrh as the main ingredient. Catholic churches often use a blend of frankincense and myrrh, symbolising the birth and foreshadowing the death of Jesus Christ.
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It's used to contain the smell of decomposition
Incense has been used in Catholic funeral rites since ancient times. Its use is steeped in tradition and symbolism, with the smoke of burning incense seen as an image of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is referenced in the Bible, in Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering".
Incense is also used to contain the smell of decomposition. This practical function is particularly relevant at funeral masses, where the body of the deceased is present. The incense is believed to mask any unpleasant odours that may be present, creating a more pleasant and sacred atmosphere for the service.
The specific ingredients used in Catholic incense blends can vary between parishes. Frankincense is typically the main ingredient, with myrrh, benzoin, and other aromatic substances added to enhance the fragrance. These may include styrax, opoponax, and various essential oils. The use of incense in Catholic funerals is thus both symbolic and practical, serving to honour the deceased, mask unpleasant odours, and create a sacred space for mourning and remembrance.
It is worth noting that while incense is a traditional and significant part of Catholic funeral rites, it is not always mandatory. In cases where individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to incense, for example, the use of incense may be forgone out of consideration for the well-being of those in attendance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, incense is used at Catholic funerals.
The smoke from burning incense is seen as a symbol of the deceased's soul ascending to heaven. It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
Most Catholic churches use a blend of frankincense and myrrh, with the addition of other aromatic ingredients and essential oils.
Yes, every Catholic funeral must have a moment where incense is used. However, in some cases, the use of incense may be foregone out of consideration for those with allergies.
The use of incense in Catholic funeral rites has no exact date of origin. However, its use in Jewish temple rituals during the time of the early church is thought to have carried over into Christian practice.
