Seamus Hammond
Incense burning has been a part of religious worship for thousands of years, with the practice being integral to many faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism, Judaism, and Christianity. In the Catholic Church, incense is burned during significant moments in the Mass, such as during the entrance procession, the proclamation of the Gospel, and at the offertory. The smoke from the incense is believed to symbolize the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, and it is also thought to have a purifying effect. Powder incense, in particular, is widely used by Catholic brotherhoods, parishes, and other devotees who appreciate its soft, constant aroma and ease of handling and storage.
Characteristics and Values of Powder Incense in Catholic Churches
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Form | Powder |
| Composition | Fragrant resins, essential oils, aromatic oils, and natural ingredients |
| Burning process | Relatively simple; requires incense, incense charcoal tablets, an incense burner or censer, a spoon, tongs, and a lighter, match, or candle |
| Charcoal tablet size | Dependent on the amount of incense and size of the censer; larger tablets (5 cm in diameter) for bigger burners and more incense |
| Scent | Soft and constant aroma; sweet, citrusy, piney, rich, smoky, bitter, or a blend |
| Religious significance | Symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, purification, and spiritual connection |
| Usage | During Catholic Mass at various points, including the entrance procession, the beginning, scenting the altar, proclamation of the Gospel, and the offertory |
| Availability | Sold by Catholic supply stores and online; local churches may provide supplier information |
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What You'll Learn
Charcoal tablets facilitate the burning process
Incense burning is a common practice in the Catholic Church, with its roots in antiquity. The smoke from the incense is often interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. Powder incense, a type of incense used by Catholics, is made up of a combination of resins and aromatic oils that are ground into a fine powder. While incense can be burned on its own, charcoal tablets facilitate the burning process and enhance the experience.
Charcoal tablets are made from natural materials like compressed coconut shells or cedar and are available in different shapes and sizes. They come in rolls or boxes, with each tablet burning for around 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the type and brand. Charcoal serves as a base for many stick and cone incenses, allowing them to burn evenly. However, using charcoal separately gives you more control over the burning process and the ability to burn incense that doesn't ignite well on its own, such as pure tree resins and herbs.
To use charcoal tablets, you'll need to select the appropriate size for the amount of incense you plan to burn and the size of your censer or incense burner. Self-lighting charcoal tablets are the most popular and beginner-friendly option, as they are mixed with a combustible agent, usually saltpeter, that ignites easily with a lighter. Regular charcoal, on the other hand, is compressed vegetable charcoal without any additives, requiring sustained heat to light. While it may take longer to ignite, regular charcoal is preferred by some due to its lack of chemical odor, ensuring that the fragrance of the incense remains pure.
When lighting the charcoal, use tongs to hold the tablet by one edge and apply a flame to the other. You'll know the charcoal is ready when it starts to crackle and pop, and the surface becomes glowing red hot. At this point, you can place the charcoal in your censer or incense burner and add your incense a pinch at a time. Remember to use a heat-proof container and take precautions to protect the surface underneath from high temperatures.
By using charcoal tablets, you can more effectively burn powder incense, releasing its soft and constant aroma. Charcoal tablets provide a simple and customizable way to enjoy the scent of incense in Catholic practices and rituals.
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Incense is used at several points during Catholic Mass
The use of incense in Catholic Mass can be traced back to ancient times, with the first recorded use of incense for worship dating back to Egypt around 2400 B.C. The practice was also prevalent in ancient China and has been a part of Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies. In the Catholic Mass, the use of incense is often associated with purification and sanctification. It is used to incense the altar, the offerings, the priest, and the people during the offertory. Additionally, the priest may also incense the crucifix and the Paschal candle.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal outlines specific instances where incense may be used during the Catholic Mass. These include the entrance procession, the beginning of Mass, the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, and the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration. During funeral Masses, the priest may also use incense to purify the coffin as a sign of honour and as a symbol of the faithful's prayers for the deceased.
The type of incense used in Catholic Mass varies, with frankincense being the most common ingredient. However, other ingredients such as myrrh, copal resin, benzoin, styrax, and other aromatics may also be used. The process of burning incense typically involves using incense charcoal tablets, an incense burner or censer, a spoon for adding incense, tongs, and a lighter, match, or candle. The charcoal tablets facilitate the burning process, and their size may vary depending on the amount of incense burned and the size of the censer.
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Incense is a blend of resins and aromatic oils
There are two main types of incense: "indirect-burning" and "direct-burning". Indirect-burning incense, also known as non-combustible incense, requires a separate heat source as it cannot burn on its own. Direct-burning incense, on the other hand, is lit directly by a flame and then fanned or blown out, leaving a glowing ember that smoulders and releases a fragrant smoke. Direct-burning incense is either a paste formed around a bamboo stick or extruded into a stick or cone shape.
Powder incense, a type of incense used in Catholic churches, is made by grinding resins and aromatic oils into a fine powder. Charcoal is often used to facilitate the burning process of powder incense. The incense is burned in a censer, a container or object specifically designed to burn incense safely and control the smoke it releases. The smoke from the burning incense is interpreted by the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
The most common ingredient used in Catholic incense is frankincense, which is often blended with other resins such as myrrh, copal, or olibanum. These resins and oils are believed to have spiritual significance and are also used for their pleasant aroma.
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Incense burners are made of heat-resistant materials
Incense burners are available in various materials, each offering a unique aesthetic and functionality. Incense burners are made of heat-resistant materials such as ceramic, porcelain, metal, stone, brass, copper, and wood. Here are some common types of incense burners and the materials that suit them best:
Ceramic and porcelain incense burners are ideal for backflow and cone burners. Ceramic is heat-resistant and available in various designs, making it suitable for cones and coils. It is also easy to clean with mild soap and water.
Metal incense burners, such as those made of brass, iron, or copper, are perfect for stick and coil burners. Metal burners are durable and often used in censers or charcoal burners. They can be polished with a soft cloth to maintain their shine.
Stone incense burners are heavy and stable, making them perfect for large incense setups. Stone burners are also sturdy and wind-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use.
Wood incense burners are lightweight and easy to clean, making them a common choice for stick burners.
The choice of incense burner depends on various factors, such as intended use, personal style, and material preference. For example, a coil incense burner is designed for spiral-shaped incense and is ideal for long-lasting fragrances, while a lotus burner is an aesthetic ceramic or metal burner with a flower design used for cones or sticks.
Incense burners are used to gently heat incense materials, such as woods, resins, or powders, to release their aromas. Charcoal tablets are often used to facilitate the burning process, especially for powder incense. The right incense burner will depend on the type of incense you plan to use, as some burn hotter than others. It is always essential to use a fireproof material and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and controlled burning.
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Incense is used in other Christian denominations
The use of incense in Christian denominations other than Catholicism is varied. In Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches, incense is used at virtually every service.
In the Methodist denomination, the Book of Worship of The United Methodist Church calls for incense to be used during the Evening Praise and Prayer service.
The use of incense in Christian worship is believed to have originated in biblical times and was a significant part of the Israelites' religious practice in the Temple. The Book of Revelation mentions angels using incense to offer prayers to God (Rev. 8:3-5).
Incense is also 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." This verse illustrates the belief that the smoke from burning incense represents the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
However, it is important to note that the use of incense was not present in early Christian practices due to its association with pagan sacrifices and honoring the emperor as a deity. Some Christians, particularly those with a background in paganism, may struggle with the use of incense due to its historical connection with idolatrous practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Powder incense is a type of incense that is ground into a fine powder. It is made up of a combination of resins and aromatic oils.
The use of incense in the Catholic Church is steeped in tradition and symbolism. It is often used as a purifying ritual and is also thought to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
The most common ingredient used in Catholic Church incense is frankincense. Other common ingredients include myrrh, benzoin, copal, and styrax.
To burn powder incense, you will need incense, incense charcoal tablets, an incense burner or censer, a spoon, tongs, and a lighter, match, or candle. The charcoal facilitates the burning process, and the censer contains the incense and controls the smoke.
Powder incense for Catholic use can be purchased from Catholic supply stores or online from websites specialising in religious supplies. Your local church may also be able to direct you to their preferred suppliers.
