Seamus Hammond
Burning incense has been a part of Greek culture for centuries, with its roots in ancient history. Incense, derived from the Latin word incendere, meaning to burn, has been used by Greeks for various purposes, from offerings to the gods to medicine and rituals. Today, I will be teaching you how to light Greek incense, also known as livani or thymiama, a raw form of incense that releases a fragrant smoke when burned.
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What You'll Learn
Lighting a charcoal disc
Next, light the charcoal disc. You can do this by holding it by one end and lighting the other. You can use a match, lighter, torch, or burner. The charcoal will spark a bit, so it is best to do this over a metal pan or sink.
Once the charcoal is lit, place it into your censer bowl and wait until it is glowing red. Then, place your incense onto the charcoal. For granular incense, a pinch (around 1-3 grains) is usually enough. You can now enjoy the aromas that are released!
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Using an electric burner
Electric incense burners are user-friendly, safe, and available in a variety of styles, shapes, and colours. They are perfect for those with unpredictable schedules who don't have time to light charcoal tablets in a traditional burner. They are also useful for masking odours in cars or for gatherings where an incense burner can add a relaxing scent.
When using an electric incense burner, it is important to adjust the heat setting according to the type of incense. Place a small piece of incense on the plate and wait for it to warm up to an acceptable temperature. Advanced electric incense burners feature thermostats to regulate temperature, so your incense is never too hot and there is no risk of damaging the heater coil. These models are more costly but offer a lot of features that make them worth investing in. They are made of durable material, which makes them easy to clean, and they do not contain any open flames, making them safe to use.
To burn frankincense, place a pea-sized chunk of resin into the cup of the electric resin burner, and plug the burner into the wall. Turn the incense burner on to 235 °F (113 °C) and let the resin heat up. Be sure to turn it off when you are done and keep it away from children and pets, as the burner will get very hot. You can also place the frankincense on the burner dish and heat it to 235 °F (113 °C). Electric burners can heat resins at lower temperatures, providing a longer burn that doesn't damage the resin, resulting in a "purer" aroma. Use tongs or an oven mitt to handle the burner once it is heated, as it will be hot.
You can also burn frankincense without a traditional burner by placing a spare cooking pot or pan lined with foil over an electric burner. Turn the heat up to high, and let the burner heat up. Then, place a piece of frankincense on the cookware or foil to begin the burning process. Never leave the stovetop unattended, and don't use the pot or pan for cooking food in the future, as it will no longer be food-safe.
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Burning incense in a well-ventilated room
Burning incense is a popular way to add fragrance to your home. However, it's important to do so safely. One key safety measure is to always burn incense in a well-ventilated area.
Burning incense in a poorly ventilated room can cause the concentration of smoke to build up, which may lead to adverse health effects. The smoke from burning incense contains hazardous chemicals, including benzene, toluene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemicals can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and nausea. In extreme cases, staying in an unventilated room where a lot of incense is being burned could be harmful to your health.
To ensure proper ventilation when burning incense, open a window or turn on a fan to help disperse the smoke and reduce your exposure to hazardous chemicals. You can also use an air purifier to improve the indoor air quality. If you have an asthma condition, be cautious as burning incense can trigger an attack. Similarly, burning incense can irritate the noses of pets and cause allergies in some people, so it is best to avoid burning incense when pets or children are present in the room.
If you are burning incense in your home, there are a few additional safety measures to keep in mind. First, be careful not to knock over the burning incense, as it can fall on flammable surfaces and start a fire. When you finish burning the incense, properly extinguish it by dipping the burning end in a bowl of sand or water. Do not blow on the incense to put it out, as this can disperse burning embers. Even after the incense has been extinguished, it may still pose a fire risk, so make sure it is completely cooled before disposing of it in the trash.
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Using incense for spiritual rituals
Burning incense has been a spiritual ritual in various cultures throughout history. The Ancient Greeks, for example, used incense as an offering to the gods and later to a single God, as well as in healing centres. In ancient Egypt, myrrh was burned as an offering to deities, while in 14th-century Japan, samurai warriors believed that aromatizing their helmets and armour with incense would make them invincible.
Today, incense is still used in spiritual rituals, with different types of incense having different symbolic meanings and uses. For example, frankincense and myrrh together act as a purifier of negative influences and increase spirituality, while citronella is burned for cleansing and warding off evil spirits. Incense can also be used to promote luck, protection, and power, or to aid in healing and strengthening psychic powers.
To burn incense for spiritual rituals, it is recommended to use natural incense that has been sustainably cultivated. You will also need charcoal and a safe place to burn the incense, such as a burner or bowl. Some people use a censer, which can be placed on a table or hung, or a small tea box with a lid to hold the incense and charcoal. If using a burner, it is important to note that the charcoal may smell when first lit, so it is recommended to light it a few minutes before adding the incense. You can also use a butane torch lighter or place the charcoal on an electric coil stove to light it without the smell. Once the charcoal is lit, simply place your chosen incense on top and allow it to burn, filling your space with its fragrance.
Burning incense for spiritual rituals can be a soothing and focusing practice. The aroma of the incense can help to bring you back to yourself and your senses, clearing your mind and aiding in meditation and relaxation. It can also serve as a symbol, helping to focus your attention on the purpose of your ritual and bringing things into sharp focus.
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The history of Greek incense
The use of incense in ancient Greece has a long and fascinating history. Incense, derived from the Latin word "incendere," meaning "to burn," has been used by the Greeks for thousands of years as part of their religious and cultural practices.
In ancient times, the Greeks used incense as offerings to their gods, particularly the Olympian Gods. This practice was deeply rooted in their religious traditions, such as Ællinismόs, where incense played a pivotal role in conveying prayers and sacrifices to the divine. The Ancient Greeks believed that the fragrant smoke served as a mediator between gods and men, facilitating communication and bringing them closer to the divine. This belief is reflected in the Greek word for incense, "thumíama" or "thymiama," which holds significant religious connotations.
The Ancient Greeks also recognised the healing properties of incense, utilising it in Asclepions, ancient healing centres, to promote physical and spiritual well-being. Additionally, they incorporated incense into their daily lives, much like how modern Greeks burn incense (livani) every Sunday, continuing a tradition passed down through generations.
Incense-burning has been an integral part of Greek Orthodox Christian services, enhancing the sensory experience of the congregation. The aromatic smoke is believed to symbolise the lifting of prayers to God, as mentioned in the Old Testament book of Psalms and Exodus. The use of incense in the Greek Orthodox Church is not merely for its pleasant fragrance but also carries profound religious significance, engaging the senses and reinforcing the belief that God is listening to their prayers.
Today, the practice of burning incense continues to hold cultural and spiritual importance for Greeks worldwide, with many incorporating it into their daily or weekly prayers, creating a multisensory experience that connects them to their faith and cultural heritage.
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Frequently asked questions
To light Greek incense, you will need a source of fire, such as a match or a lighter, and a safe place to burn it. You can use a candle flame and metal tongs to light a charcoal briquette, which will take a few moments. Then, place the lit charcoal in an incense burner and let it heat up for about 7-10 minutes. Finally, place the incense resin on top of the charcoal.
Frankincense is a popular choice for Greek incense. You can also use myrrh, or essential oils in a diffuser.
Frankincense smoke is still smoke, so it is recommended to only burn it occasionally, such as once or twice a week, rather than every day. Always burn incense in a well-ventilated room and avoid burning it for more than an hour at a time to prevent health complications.
