Katrina Rosales
The use of incense in Christianity is symbolic of cleansing and purification, and its fragrance is suggestive of Christ's robe of righteousness. Incense is placed on burning coals in a thurible, which is then swung to produce a sweet-smelling smoke. The number of swings when incensing is dependent on the dignity of the person or thing being censed, with the Blessed Sacrament, a relic of the Holy Cross, and images of the Lord exposed for public veneration typically receiving three swings. The number of swings prescribed also appears to respond to the need to establish a certain unity of practice according to a protocol of honour.
Characteristics and values of swings when incensing
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of swings | 1, 2, or 3 |
| Double swing | Raising the thurible to the level of the face, swinging it out towards the object or person, repeating the outward swing, and then lowering the thurible |
| Single swing | Swung once and then lowered, except when incensing the altar where single swings are made continuously as the celebrant walks around it |
| Object or person incensed | The Most Blessed Sacrament, a relic of the Holy Cross, images of the Lord exposed for public veneration, relics and images of the Saints exposed for public veneration, the altar, the priest, the people, the offerings, the cross, the Book of the Gospels, the Paschal Candle |
| Amount of incense used | Three spoonfuls |
| Manner of holding the thurible | The top of the censer chain in the left hand, the bottom near the censer in the right hand, so that the censer can be swung back and forth easily |
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What You'll Learn
How to hold the censer chain
The number of swings when incensing depends on the dignity of the person or thing being honoured. The Most Blessed Sacrament, a relic of the Holy Cross, and images of the Lord exposed for public veneration, for example, are incensed with three swings of the thurible. Relics and images of the Saints exposed for public veneration, on the other hand, are incensed with two swings of the thurible.
Now, to properly hold the censer chain, here is a step-by-step guide:
- Hold the top of the censer chain in your left hand, close to your chest.
- Hold the bottom of the chain, near the censer, in your right hand.
- Ensure that your left hand remains still, while only your right arm moves back and forth in a measured, graceful beat.
- Keep your head and body still while swinging the censer.
By following these steps, you will be able to swing the censer back and forth with ease and grace, as described in the 1886 edition of the ceremonial. It is important to note that the grace and skill of incensing depend heavily on how the chains are held.
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The double swing
The first swing is a gentle, sweeping motion that starts from the right side and moves across to the left. The censer is then brought back to the centre and swung to the right again, completing a full cycle. This first cycle is said to open the spiritual pathway and create a connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
The second swing is a mirror image of the first, starting from the left and moving to the right. It completes the cycle and seals the spiritual connection. This swing is often performed with a slightly faster pace, symbolizing the energy and vitality that the ritual invokes.
By performing the double swing with grace and intention, the incenser invites positive energy, blessings, and spiritual protection into the space, transforming the atmosphere and preparing the setting for further rituals or ceremonies.
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How many swings for different objects
The number of swings when incensing differs depending on the object or person being censed and the type of church. The practice is rooted in the traditions of Judaism and is used to demonstrate reverence and homage toward God. The sweet-smelling smoke is also symbolic of "cleansing and purification", as well as representing "Christ's robe of righteousness".
In Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, Old Catholic, and some Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches, the following rules apply: three double swings for the Blessed Sacrament, a relic of the Holy Cross, images of the Lord, the offerings for the Mass, the altar cross, the Book of the Gospels, the Paschal Candle, the priest, and the people. Two double swings are used for relics and images of the Saints, but only at the beginning of the celebration after incensing the altar. The altar is censed with a series of single swings.
In Anglican churches, the gifts and the altar are censed first, followed by the priest (three swings), other clergy (one swing to each side), the choir (one or three swings), and the congregation (one swing to each side and the middle).
In Lutheran churches, the thurible is carried by an acolyte known as the thurifer. In Eastern Orthodox churches, the censer is swung almost continuously during funeral and memorial services.
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The single swing
The use of incense in Christianity is symbolic of "cleansing and purification," and its fragrance is said to represent "Christ's robe of righteousness" that covers the sins of humankind. The single swing, therefore, plays an important role in demonstrating reverence and homage towards God.
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The history of incensing
Incense is derived from the Latin word "incensum", which means "to set on fire". The use of incense can be traced back to ancient times, with references to it in the Hebrew Scriptures and the Bible. For example, in the Gospel, Zechariah is in the temple at the time of the incense offering (Luke 1) and the gifts the Magi offered to the Christ Child included gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Latin word "thuribulum" or incense is derived from the Ancient Greek word "thuein", which means "to sacrifice".
The practice of incensing has been a part of religious ceremonies for centuries, with references to it in the Roman Missal, which allows the use of incense at any Mass. The number of swings of the thurible, or censer, when incensing persons or objects is specified in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. For example, three double swings are specified for the Most Blessed Sacrament, a relic of the Holy Cross, and images of the Lord. A series of single swings is specified for the altar.
The workings of a thurible are simple: it consists of a censer section, chains, a metal ring to lock the lid, and a removable metal crucible for burning charcoals. Incense is placed upon the charcoal, where it melts to produce a sweet-smelling smoke. This smoke is believed to carry prayers and offerings to the divine, and its use in prayer and worship carries significant symbolism in Christianity.
Today, incense is still used in religious ceremonies and has also become popular for secular purposes, such as creating a pleasant aroma in a room or for aromatherapy and meditation practices. The practice of burning incense has evolved and taken on new meanings, but its roots remain firmly in ancient religious traditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Three swings of the thurible.
Two swings of the thurible.
Single swings of the thurible.
Three swings of the thurible.
Single or triple swing to either side.
