Seamus Hammond
Thick incense sticks, such as Japanese incense, tend to burn for longer than thin incense sticks. They can be lit using a match or lighter, or a butane mini torch for thicker incense. To light, hold the flame to the end of the stick until it ignites and a small flame is visible. Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then gently fan or blow it out. The incense will continue to burn without the flame, releasing its fragrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning time | 20-40 minutes depending on thickness, length and quality |
| Thickness | 1.5-2mm/~1/16” |
| Length | 21cm/8.25” |
| Burning technique | Light the incense stick with a match or lighter |
| Light the incense while holding it or after placing it in an incense burner | |
| Hold the flame to the stick until it ignites and a small flame is visible | |
| Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds | |
| Fan or blow out the flame | |
| Incense burner | Stable, heat-resistant, and designed to collect any ash that falls |
| A bowl or bucket filled with grain, rice, salt, or sand to hold the incense stick upright | |
| A long, thin piece of wood, metal, or ceramic with a tiny hole at one end and a groove down the center |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right incense holder
When lighting thick incense, it is important to choose the right incense holder. Incense holders, also known as censers, come in various shapes and sizes, and the type of holder you use depends on the type of incense you are burning. For thick incense, it is recommended to use a holder that is stable, heat-resistant, and designed to collect any ash that falls.
If you are using cored incense sticks, which have a bamboo or sandalwood core, it is best to use an incense "boat". This is a long, thin piece of wood, metal, or ceramic with a tiny hole at one end and a groove down the center to catch any falling ash. The groove in the incense boat helps to stabilize the stick and ensure that it burns evenly.
For thicker incense sticks or cones, a small bowl or bucket filled with grain, rice, salt, or sand can be used as a holder. The incense stick can be gently pushed into the grain, rice, salt, or sand until it stands upright, allowing the ash to fall directly into the container. This method is especially useful for thicker incense, as it provides stability and helps to catch the ash.
When choosing an incense holder, it is important to consider the size and shape of the incense you will be using. The holder should be large enough to catch any falling ash and wide enough to accommodate the thickness of the incense stick or cone. It should also be made of a heat-resistant material, such as ceramic or metal, to ensure safety and durability.
Additionally, some incense holders come with a lid or cover, which can be useful for controlling the amount of smoke released into the room and preventing any unwanted drafts from affecting the burning incense. This can be especially useful when burning thicker incense, which tends to produce more smoke and can take longer to burn completely.
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Lighting the incense
To begin, select a suitable incense burner that complements the stick's size and shape. This holder should be stable, heat-resistant, and designed to collect any ash that falls. Position your incense stick so that it stands upright, ensuring that the ash won't scatter and that the stick burns evenly from tip to base. Creating this secure setup is key to an uninterrupted and serene incense experience.
You can choose to either hold one end of the stick incense or place it on an incense burner to keep it steady and angled upwards. If you are using a bowl or bucket filled with grain, rice, salt, or sand, gently push the bottom of the stick into the grain, rice, salt, or sand until the stick is able to stand up on its own. You can stand the stick straight up or angle it slightly, but make sure that the tip is still within the perimeter of the container so that any ash will fall directly into the container and not onto your table or floor.
Now, you are ready to light the incense. Light the tip of the incense stick with care and intention. Hold a flame to the end of the stick—be it from a match, lighter, or mini torch—until you see the tip glow red, and a small flame perhaps flicker to life. The incense may take a few seconds to catch properly, so patience here is as important as a steady hand. Allow the flame to burn for a brief moment, watching as it casts a warm, small glow, reminiscent of a miniature campfire.
After your stick has caught fire, it's time to extinguish the flame, leaving behind a cherry-red ember that will slowly burn down the stick. A gentle blow should suffice, turning the flame into a smouldering point. This ember is the heart of your incense stick; it's what gives it the power to release its fragrant secrets into the air around you. As the ember glows, smoke will begin to spiral upwards in delicate wisps.
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Blowing out the flame
Firstly, select a suitable incense burner or holder that complements the incense stick's size and shape. This holder should be stable, heat-resistant, and designed to collect any falling ash. It is important to place the incense stick upright in the holder to ensure even burning and to prevent ash from scattering.
Once you have positioned the incense stick securely, you can focus on blowing out the flame. After lighting the incense stick and allowing the flame to burn for a few seconds, it's time to gently blow out the flame. A gentle blow should be sufficient, turning the flame into a smouldering point or ember. This ember is crucial as it is what allows the incense stick to release its fragrance.
It is important to note that some people prefer to wave or swish the flame out instead of blowing directly on it. This can be done by gently fanning or waving a hand near the flame to extinguish it. This method may be based on personal preference or superstition.
When blowing out the flame, be cautious and avoid using excessive force or blowing too closely to the incense stick. This could disturb the ember or cause the ash to scatter. Instead, maintain a comfortable distance and use a gentle, controlled breath to extinguish the flame effectively.
By following these steps and paying attention to safety precautions, you can successfully blow out the flame when lighting thick incense. Remember to always practice proper fire safety and ensure the incense is burning properly before leaving it unattended.
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Burning time
The burning time of an incense stick depends on its length, thickness, and brand. A standard-sized incense stick will typically burn for 20 to 40 minutes. For example, Japanese incense sticks, which are shorter (10-15cm) but thicker, usually take 20-30 minutes to burn. Thicker incense, such as Agarbatti (incense sticks with a bamboo core), tend to burn more slowly.
The size of the room and the desired strength of the aroma can also influence burning time. In a large space, a thicker stick or a larger amount of incense material may be needed to release a stronger scent. Conversely, a thinner stick or a smaller amount of incense can be used for a more subtle fragrance.
It's worth noting that different types of incense may have specific burning characteristics. For example, cones tend to burn faster and produce more smoke and a more intense aroma, especially when made with herbs. On the other hand, incense warming, a technique that uses a fraction of the amount of incense material, can provide an impact over a longer period.
To ensure optimal burning time and experience, it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and refer to the packaging for the estimated burning time of the specific incense stick you are using. Proper ventilation in the room is also crucial, as incense sticks release a lot of smoke.
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Safety precautions
Thick incense sticks can take a long time to burn, with some lasting for up to 40 minutes. Therefore, it is important to follow safety precautions when lighting thick incense. Here are some essential safety guidelines to follow:
Choose the right incense and holder: Opt for high-quality, natural incense sticks that are environmentally friendly. Avoid products containing synthetic fragrances, harmful chemicals, or charcoal. Use a suitable incense holder, also known as a censer, to keep the incense steady. If you have a cored incense stick, use an incense "boat", which is a long, thin piece of wood, metal, or ceramic with a groove to catch any falling ash.
Prioritize proper ventilation: Incense releases a lot of smoke, so ensure the room is well-ventilated. Open a window to distribute the scent and maintain air quality, but avoid placing the incense near open windows or doors with strong drafts.
Maintain a safe distance from flammable objects: Keep the incense holder away from flammable items such as curtains, drapes, paper, or lampshades. Place the incense holder on a heat-resistant surface to catch any falling ash and prevent accidental fires.
Never leave burning incense unattended: Always stay in the room while incense is burning. If you need to leave, extinguish the incense by dipping the tip in water or pressing it against a heat-resistant surface. Ensure the incense is out of reach of children and pets.
Light incense safely: Hold the incense stick by its uncoated end and light the coated end with a match or lighter. Ensure the incense is fully immersed in the flame until it ignites and a small flame is visible. Blow out the flame after a few seconds and look for a glowing ember, indicating the incense is burning properly.
By following these safety precautions, you can safely enjoy the aromatic experience of burning thick incense.
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Frequently asked questions
Thick incense may require a butane mini torch or a culinary torch lighter to light. Hold the flame to the end of the incense stick until you see a small flame or a tip that glows red. Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then gently fan or blow out the flame.
Incense burn time depends on its thickness, length, and quality. Thick incense sticks tend to be shorter and take 20-30 minutes to burn.
You can choose to hold one end of the incense stick or place it on an incense burner to keep it steady and angled upwards.
The incense holder should be stable, heat-resistant, and designed to collect any ash that falls. If your incense has a core, consider using an incense "boat", which is a long, thin piece of wood, metal, or ceramic that has a tiny hole at one end.
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