Heidi Norton
Incense is used in many religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto, and ancient Egyptian and Jewish religions. In Christian worship, incense is used in the celebration of the Eucharist, at funerals, and at the consecration of a church or altar. In Hinduism, incense is offered to God as part of daily ritual worship. In Buddhism, incense is used in East Asian ceremonies and rites, and in Taoist and Shinto shrines, it is used to purify the surroundings. Incense has also been used in ancient Egypt, Judaism, and Islam since antiquity. The use of incense in worship is often associated with purification and sanctification rituals, driving away demons, and creating a positive atmosphere.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religion | Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, Judaism |
| Purpose | Purification, sanctification, driving away demons, honouring the deceased, creating a positive mood, connecting with God, symbolising prayer |
| Forms | Sticks, Coils, Grains, Powder |
| Methods | Burned on charcoal, hung from the ceiling, placed on stands, waved or raised above the head |
| Usage | During processions, at the beginning of Mass, during the Gospel proclamation, at the offertory, at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood, during funeral Masses |
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What You'll Learn
- Incense is used in Christian worship to symbolise the ascent of prayers to heaven
- It is used in Hindu worship to offer to gods such as Krishna and Rama
- Incense is used in Taoist and Buddhist temples to purify the surroundings
- It is used in Shinto shrines to worship the deity Inari Okami
- Incense is used in funeral Masses to show reverence for the body
Incense is used in Christian worship to symbolise the ascent of prayers to heaven
Incense has been used in Christian worship since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. The use of incense in Christian worship is rooted in earlier Jewish and pagan traditions.
The use of incense in Christian worship also adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, creating an ambiance reminiscent of heaven. The visual imagery of the smoke and the fragrance symbolise the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing worshippers to enter into the presence of God. Incense is also used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images.
The practice of using incense in Christian worship was abandoned for a period due to its association with paganism, but it made a comeback in the fifth century once Christianity was firmly established. The use of incense in Christian worship is not mandatory and is a matter of conviction. Some Catholic priests choose not to use incense at Mass, and many Catholic traditions have been forgotten or simplified over the years.
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It is used in Hindu worship to offer to gods such as Krishna and Rama
Incense has been used in religious rituals since ancient times, with the practice spreading from India and China to other parts of Asia. In Hinduism, incense is one of the five accessories of religious worship, along with flowers, lamps, and food. It is believed to have psychological benefits, with its aroma considered to have healing powers that calm the mind and improve concentration during rituals.
In Hindu worship, incense is offered to various gods, including Krishna and Rama, as part of daily rituals. The practice is rooted in the belief that Krishna accepts offerings made to him with love, as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita. During these rituals, incense sticks are lit and rotated thrice in a clockwise direction to fill the air with a pleasant fragrance. This tradition is not limited to temples but is also practised in homes and businesses with altars dedicated to Hindu deities.
The specific types of incense used in ancient India were derived from resins obtained from the Commiphora wightii tree and Benzoin resin. These resins were burned over embers to release fragrant smoke. Over time, the recipes for incense sticks evolved to include a blend of ingredients, such as sandalwood, aloeswood, camphor, musk, saffron, and various resins.
The use of incense in Hindu worship extends beyond its pleasing aroma. It is believed to possess spiritual significance, symbolising the act of self-sacrifice for the betterment of society. Additionally, the smoke produced by burning incense is thought to purify the surroundings, driving away negative energies and inviting the presence of gods. This belief is not unique to Hinduism, as other religions, such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Shinto, also incorporate incense in their rituals for similar purposes.
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Incense is used in Taoist and Buddhist temples to purify the surroundings
In Buddhist temples, the burning of incense sticks is an act of offering to the Buddha. The sticks are usually lit first, followed by bowing to the image of the Buddha with palms pressed together. The incense is then planted into an incense bowl, which can be made of ceramic or metal. The bowls are filled with old incense ash, but clean sand or uncooked rice can also be used. Stick incense is commonly used in Buddhist temples, but loose incense is also burned by dropping grains of incense onto hot charcoal.
In Taoist temples, worshippers light and burn sticks of incense in small or large bundles. They wave the incense or raise it above their heads while bowing to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors. The burning of incense in Taoist temples is believed to purify the surroundings and bring forth an assembly of deities, ancestors, and other spiritual beings.
The use of incense in Taoist and Buddhist temples is a way to create a peaceful and sacred atmosphere. The scented smoke is believed to reduce anxiety and stress levels, promoting a sense of calm and focus for those engaging in meditation or prayer. The specific fragrances and rituals associated with incense use may vary among different schools and temples.
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It is used in Shinto shrines to worship the deity Inari Okami
Incense is used in religious rituals and worship across the world, including in Shinto shrines to worship the deity Inari Okami. Inari is a popular deity associated with both Shinto and Buddhist shrines located throughout Japan. Inari is also referred to as Inari Okami or Ō-Inari and is considered the Japanese kami of foxes, fertility, rice, tea, sake, agriculture, industry, and general prosperity and worldly success. Inari is one of the principal kami of Shinto.
Inari worship is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, with the deity being worshipped since the founding of a shrine at Inari Mountain in 711 CE, although some scholars believe it started in the late 5th century. The deity has become increasingly popular, with over 32,000 shrines dedicated to Inari across Japan, according to a 1985 survey. The use of incense in Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari Okami aligns with the broader use of incense in religious rituals for purification and sanctification.
Inari shrines are typically constructed with white stucco walls and red-lacquered woodwork, with entrances marked by vermilion torii and images of foxes. The use of incense in these shrines serves a similar purpose as in other religious traditions, such as Christianity, Hinduism, and ancient pagan practices, where it is used for purification and to symbolise prayer. In Shinto shrines, incense is believed to purify the surroundings and bring forth an assembly of gods, creating a sacred atmosphere for the worship of Inari Okami.
Worshippers at Inari shrines may purchase incense sticks to light and burn, offering them to the deity with prayers and wishes. The smoke from the burning incense is thought to symbolise the prayers of the worshippers rising to heaven, similar to the belief in Christian traditions. The use of incense in Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari Okami thus enhances the spiritual experience and creates a sense of solemnity and connection to the divine.
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Incense is used in funeral Masses to show reverence for the body
Incense has been used in Christian worship since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. The practice is rooted in the traditions of Judaism in the time of the Second Jewish Temple.
In the past, incense was also used to mask the smell of decomposition. However, with modern funeral practices, this is less of a concern. Instead, the contemporary usage of incense is more ceremonial. The incense smoke symbolises the ascension to heaven of the soul of the deceased.
The use of incense in Christian worship was likely influenced by its association with paganism. In the ancient world, incense was used to keep demons away, and to please the gods. However, in the fifth century, once Christianity was firmly established, the use of incense increased in the East and the West.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is used in Christian worship to symbolise the ascent of the prayers of the faithful and the merits of the saints. It is burned during processions and at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, the offerings, the priest, and the people. Incense is also used to honour the body of a deceased person during a funeral.
Incense is offered to God as part of the daily ritual worship within the Hindu tradition. Sticks of incense are rotated thrice in a clockwise direction and waved above the head while bowing to statues or plaques of a deity or an ancestor.
Incense is used in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and rites to purify the surroundings and bring forth an assembly of buddhas, bodhisattvas, gods, demons, and the like. Thick coils of incense are hung from the ceiling or placed on special stands.
The use of incense in the ancient world was common, especially in religious rites where it was used to keep demons away. Incense has been used in worship by Christians since antiquity, and was also used in ancient Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, and Israel.
