Heidi Norton
Incense has been used in religious rituals for thousands of years, dating back to ancient India in 3600 BC and the Egyptians in 2345 BC. The practice has been adopted by various religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The use of incense in Christian worship is inspired by passages in the Bible, and it is particularly prevalent in the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, and Anglican Churches. While the use of incense during Lent is not mandatory, some churches choose to incorporate it into their Lenten services as a symbol of prayer and purification. However, there are differing opinions within Christian communities regarding the use of incense during Lent, with some priests and parishes choosing not to use it at all during this period.
Characteristics of Incense Use During Lent
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense Use During Lent | Incense is used during Lent by some Christian denominations, including Orthodox Christians and Catholics. However, the use of incense during Lent varies among different churches and parishes. Some may use it sparingly, only on specific occasions, while others may use it more frequently. |
| Incense in Christian Worship | The use of incense in Christian worship is rooted in biblical passages and carries symbolic meaning. It is interpreted as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven. |
| Incense in Other Religions | Incense has been used in various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, and Islam. It often holds symbolic and ritualistic significance, such as purification and spiritual offerings. |
| Incense as a Spiritual Offering | In pagan religions, incense was believed to be a spiritual offering, driving away demons with its fragrance and pleasing the gods. |
| Incense in Catholic Masses | The use of incense in Catholic Masses is optional and varies among parishes. It is used during processions, to incense the altar, the gospel book, and the offerings. Some parishes use it during specific liturgical seasons, feast days, and special occasions. |
| Health Considerations | Some individuals may be adversely affected by incense. It is recommended to consult guides or the church to avoid services with incense if sensitive to it. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is used in several religions
Incense is used in Christian worship at the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, in particular at Solemn Vespers, at Solemn Evensong, at funerals, benediction and exposition of the Eucharist, the consecration of a church or altar, and at other services. The smoke of burning incense is interpreted by both the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is seen in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice". Incense is also used in Christian worship at Advent and Lenten Vespers, Christmas night and daytime Masses, and at a solemn Mass celebrated by a bishop.
In Hinduism, incense is offered to God in his various forms, such as Krishna and Rama, as part of daily ritual worship. In Buddhism, incense is burned at festivals and initiations, as well as at daily rites and in monasteries. It is also used in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and rites, as well as in Chinese Taoist and Japanese Shinto shrines for the deity Inari Okami, or the Seven Lucky Gods.
In ancient Egypt, incense was used in religious rituals, such as at the daily liturgy before the cult image of the sun god Amon-Re and in mortuary rites, when the souls of the dead were thought to ascend to heaven. The Babylonians used incense extensively while offering prayers or divining oracles, and altars were set apart for incense offerings in the 5th century BC. In ancient Greece, woods and resins were burned as an oblation and for protection against demons.
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Incense symbolises purification
Incense is used in many different religious ceremonies and is often associated with purification and sanctification. The burning of incense is thought to symbolise the purification of a sacred space, as well as the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
The use of incense for purification rituals has been recorded in many different religions. In Catholic Liturgy, incense is used to purify the Tabernacle, making it a worthy place for the worship of God. Similarly, in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies, as well as in Chinese Taoist and Japanese Shinto shrines, incense is used to purify the surroundings and summon various deities. The first recorded use of incense was by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC, where it was likely used as a sacrificial offering to various deities or spirits.
In Christian Liturgy, the use of incense is also symbolic of the prayers of the faithful. This symbolism is seen in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice". Similarly, in the Revelation of John, incense is used to symbolise the prayers of the saints in heaven, with a "golden bowl full of incense" representing "the prayers of the saints".
The sweet aroma of incense is also thought to symbolise something pleasing and acceptable being offered to God. The act of burning incense is a sign of reverence and dedication, often used in funeral Masses to show respect for the body that was once the temple of God.
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Incense is used at funerals
In the Catholic Church, incense is used at funerals to symbolise the ascension to heaven of the soul of the deceased. This is rooted in the belief that the smoke of burning incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. Frankincense is the main ingredient in Roman Catholic incense, but this may vary from parish to parish, with some using myrrh as the main ingredient.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches, Anglican churches, and Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic churches, incense is used at virtually every service, including funerals. In these traditions, incense is used to symbolise the purification of the surroundings and the assembly of deities and spirits.
In Hinduism, incense is offered to God as part of daily ritual worship. This practice is rooted in the Bhagavad Gita, which states that "Krishna accepts the offering made to Him with love". In Buddhism, incense is used in temples to purify the surroundings and invite the assembly of buddhas, bodhisattvas, and gods. In Taoism, incense is used in temples and shrines to honour the deity Inari Okami, or the Seven Lucky Gods. In Shintoism, incense is used to purify the surroundings and invite the assembly of deities and spirits.
While the use of incense at funerals is a widespread practice, it is important to note that some people may be adversely affected by it. As such, it is recommended to consult a guide or the relevant religious authorities to be aware of when incense will be used during worship services.
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Incense is used at Mass
The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible. The Book of Exodus recounts God's instructions to Moses to build an altar of incense to stand beside the altar of sacrifice. In the Bible, incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is seen in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice."
At Mass, incense is used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images. It is also used to incense the altar, the bread and wine offered for the Eucharist, the crucifix, the congregation, the Paschal candle, and the body of a deceased person during a funeral. The priest may also incense the crucifix and the Paschal candle. The usage of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, reminding us of the transcendence of the Mass, which links heaven and earth.
The offering of incense at Mass is an important part of Catholic worship, connecting our worship on earth with the worship of heaven.
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Incense is not allowed during Lent for some
The use of incense during Lent is a matter of debate and depends on the specific religious denomination and local practices. While some churches may choose to reduce or refrain from using incense during Lent, others continue to incorporate it into their worship services.
Incense has been a part of religious rituals and worship for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilizations like the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilization and the Egyptians during the Fifth Dynasty. In the Christian faith, the use of incense is inspired by passages in the Bible and holds symbolic value. The smoke from burning incense is often interpreted as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven, as mentioned in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice."
However, the specific practice of using incense during Lent varies across different Christian denominations. Some churches, particularly those following more traditional or orthodox practices, may refrain from using incense during Lent as a sign of penitence and purification. This abstinence from incense during Lent is not a universal rule but rather a choice made by certain parishes to emphasize the solemnity of the season.
On the other hand, there are also churches that continue to use incense during Lent, especially on significant days or occasions. For example, some churches may use incense during Lenten Vespers, Holy Week, or on specific Sundays during Lent when there are special ceremonies or visits from religious figures like bishops. The use of incense during these occasions adds solemnity and significance to the worship service.
Ultimately, the decision to use incense or not during Lent is at the discretion of the local church leadership and may vary from one parish to another. While some may view incense as a sign of spiritual offering and purification, others may choose to refrain from its use during Lent as a form of penitence or to accommodate those who are adversely affected by its presence. It is always advisable to refer to the specific practices and guidelines of one's religious denomination and local church community regarding the use of incense during different liturgical seasons.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is used during Lent, but only during Lenten Vespers. Some Catholic priests choose not to use incense at Mass.
The use of incense is rooted in the traditions of Judaism in the time of the Second Jewish Temple. The smoke of burning incense is interpreted by both the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven.
Yes, the use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible. Incense is mentioned in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice."
