Lance Carson
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt and China, and playing a role in Buddhist, Shinto, Taoist, and Hindu worship. In the Christian tradition, incense is used to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, and to sanctify the ceremony. The practice is rooted in the Jewish worship of the Second Temple, and the Bible makes several references to its use. In churches, incense is usually burned during the entrance procession at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar, crucifix, and Paschal candle, and at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel. The type of incense used varies, but frankincense and myrrh are the most common, lending a warm, spicy, and woody scent with hints of citrus and a slightly bitter undertone.
Characteristics of Church Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The practice has its roots in ancient times, with the first recorded use in Egypt around 2400 BC, and was also used in ancient China and India. |
| Religious Significance | Used in various religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies. |
| Biblical References | Mentioned in the Bible, such as in Psalm 141, the Book of Exodus, and the Gospel of Luke, where it is associated with prayer, worship, and sacrificial offerings. |
| Symbolism | The smoke from burning incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven and adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the ceremony. |
| Ingredients | Commonly includes frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, styrax, copal, and other aromatic resins and essential oils, creating a sweet, spicy, and earthy aroma. |
| Usage | Incense is burned during religious services, funerals, processions, and purification rituals, often using a thurible or censer to contain the incense. |
| Psychological Impact | The aroma of incense can create a sense of tranquility, serenity, and sacredness, enhancing the worship experience and promoting a connection with the divine. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense ingredients and blends
Incense is made from a variety of resins, woods, herbs, and oils. The art of incense blending has a long history, particularly in China, where the practice is considered a part of holistic health rituals.
The first Chinese incense recipe book, *Blended Incense Recipes* 《和香方》, was written around 2,500 years ago. Over the centuries, countless recipes were developed and recorded, with the practice spreading to Japan in the 6th century. The canonical Chinese incense book, *History of Incense* 《香乘》, was written during the Ming dynasty, around 400 years ago. This book provides a comprehensive guide to incense, including ingredients, recipes, and blends, as well as historical anecdotes.
The percentage of binder used in an incense recipe can range from 10-30%, depending on the powder quality and other ingredients in the blend. It is recommended to start with a majority wood base, such as Australian sandalwood, and add small quantities of flowers. Resins, such as frankincense, can also be used as a base for blends. When creating your own blends, it is best to start simple and use no more than three herbs to avoid an unpleasant smell.
Some common herbs and their properties include:
- Lavender: promotes peace, healing, love, happiness, tranquility, and protection. It is also commonly used to relieve stress and create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Rosemary: has powerful cleansing and purifying properties. When mixed with juniper berries, it promotes healing. It also provides protection from negative energy and boosts memory and mood.
- Jasmine: induces sleep and prophetic dreams, enhances visions and psychic intuition, and draws wealth and money. It can also balance hormones and increase libido.
- Dragon's Blood: burned for protection, purification, and driving away negativity.
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Incense burners and charcoal
First, select a suitable incense burner, preferably one made from natural clay, with a concave screen to hold the charcoal disc securely in place. Metal burners are ideal as they can withstand high temperatures, but ensure your burner is heat-proof to prevent accidents. Charcoal discs or tablets are the next crucial element, providing a consistent burn. The amount of charcoal needed depends on the size of your burner and the duration of your incense session. As a general rule, a teaspoon of charcoal is sufficient for most burners.
Now, it's time to light the charcoal. Using tongs, grip the charcoal and hold it over a flame to ignite. Alternatively, place the unlit charcoal in the burner and use a barbecue lighter or a match. Once the charcoal is lit, you'll notice sparks, and it will turn red and ashy. This process may take a few minutes, so be patient. If using a quick-igniting charcoal disc, avoid the initial smoke released from the sparks.
Once the charcoal is ready, it's time to add the incense. Use a metal spoon to carefully sprinkle a small amount of loose incense grains onto the hot charcoal. You can use various incense types, such as resins, herbs, or powders. Resins like frankincense or myrrh release deep, aromatic scents. If using herbs, be aware that they burn faster, so you may need to char them first and then scrape them off the charcoal to add more. Adjust the burn rate by tapping off the ashes for a hotter and faster burn, or leaving the ashes for a slower, more gradual release of fragrance.
Always practise caution when using incense burners and charcoal. Place the burner on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials, and ensure proper ventilation due to the intense smoke produced. Never leave the burner unattended, and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. Regular maintenance will ensure the longevity of your burner and enhance your aromatic practices.
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Incense in prayer and worship
Incense has been used in religious contexts for thousands of years, with the first recorded use in 2400 BC in Egypt, and evidence of its use in India dating back to 3600 BC. It is employed in many different religious traditions, including Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, Hinduism, Judaism, and various branches of Christianity.
In Christian contexts, incense is used to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is seen 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". Incense is also used as part of purification rituals, and to symbolise the fragrant sacrifice of Christ. The smoke of the incense is thought to add an air of mystery to the Mass, and the aroma is said to enhance the worship experience, creating an atmosphere of tranquility, serenity, and sacredness.
The use of incense in Christian worship is inspired by the Bible, and its use can be traced back to the Old Testament. In the Book of Exodus, God gives Moses instructions on how to build the tabernacle, including the command to build an altar of incense to stand beside the altar of sacrifice. God also gives Moses a recipe for making incense:
> "Take these aromatic substances: storax, onycha and galbanum, these and pure frankincense in equal parts; and blend them into incense. This fragrant powder, expertly prepared, is to be salted and so kept pure and sacred. Grind some of it into fine dust and put this before the covenant in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you. This incense shall be treated as most sacred by you" (Ex 30:34-36).
Incense is used in Christian worship at the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, in particular at Solemn Vespers, at Solemn Evensong, at funerals, benediction and exposition of the Eucharist, the consecration of a church or altar, and at other services. It is also used to incense the altar, the crucifix, the icons, the clergy, the congregation, the Paschal candle, and the body of a deceased person during a funeral.
The types of incense used in churches vary, but the most commonly used ingredients are frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense lends a woody, earthy scent with hints of citrus, while myrrh adds a slightly sweet, smoky, and somewhat bitter undertone.
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Incense in Catholic Mass
Incense has been used in religious rituals for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, China, and India. In Catholicism, the use of incense during Mass is rooted in the traditions of Judaism and the early Christian Church. The burning of incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, as described 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."
The use of incense in Catholic Mass is optional and varies depending on the region and type of church. It is typically used during the entrance procession at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar, and during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel. Incense may also be used at the offertory to incense the offerings, altar, priest, and congregation. During funeral Masses, the priest may incense the coffin as a sign of honor to the deceased and as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to God.
The type of incense used in Catholic Mass is typically a blend of frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, and other aromatic ingredients such as styrax and opoponax, along with essential oils. The specific recipe may vary, and some churches may use plain frankincense or a combination of frankincense and myrrh to signify the birth and death of Jesus Christ.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass adds a sense of solemnity and mystery, creating a link between heaven and earth. It serves as a reminder of God's presence and brings to mind the transcendence of the Mass. While some Catholics appreciate the traditional use of incense, others may prefer incense-free Masses or attend Masses in parishes that use less incense.
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Incense in other religions
Incense is used in several religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, Taoism, and Islam.
In Hinduism, incense is offered to God as part of daily ritual worship. This involves rotating the sticks of incense thrice in a clockwise direction in front of statues or plaques of God in his various forms, such as Krishna and Rama. The use of incense in Hindu worship has been traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization in 3600 BC.
In Buddhism, incense is used in East Asian ceremonies and rites. Worshippers light and burn sticks of incense in small or large bundles, waving or raising them above their heads while bowing to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors. The sticks of incense are then placed vertically into individual censers located in front of the statues or plaques.
In Japanese Shinto, incense is offered to the deity Inari Okami or the Seven Lucky Gods. The sticks of incense are placed horizontally into censers on top of the ash, as the sticks lack a supporting core that does not burn.
In Chinese Taoism, incense is used to scent inner temple spaces. Thick coiled incense is hung from the ceiling or placed on special stands. Worshippers burn sticks of incense in small or large bundles, waving or raising them above their heads while bowing to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors. The sticks of incense are then placed into individual censers in front of the statues or plaques.
While the use of incense in Islam is mentioned, there are no further details provided in the source material.
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Frequently asked questions
Church incense is usually a blend of frankincense and myrrh, with the possible addition of benzoin, styrax, opoponax, copal, and other resinous and aromatic ingredients, as well as essential oils.
Church incense has a rich, sweet, and somewhat spicy aroma with hints of citrus and a slightly bitter undertone.
The smoke from burning incense is interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. It also adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass.
Incense is used during the Entrance Procession at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar, at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory to incense the offerings, altar, priest, and people, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration.
To burn church incense, you need an incense burner or a thurible. First, place a piece of charcoal in the burner and let it glow. Then, sprinkle a small amount of incense on top and let the smoke rise.
