Seamus Hammond
Incense is an aromatic material that releases a fragrant smoke when burnt. It has been used across various cultures and religions for centuries, playing a significant role in religious ceremonies, rituals, and domestic offerings. The practice of burning incense is deeply rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Chinese and Japanese cultures. In terms of blessing money, the concept of joss paper or spirit money is commonly found in Chinese and Asian cultures, where it is burned as an offering to ancestors and deities to ensure their well-being in the afterlife.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremony |
| Forms | Coil, cone, cored stick, dhoop or solid stick, powder |
| Composition | Aromatic plant materials, resins, seeds, roots, flowers, essential oils |
| Burning type | Direct-burning, indirect-burning |
| Cultures | Ancient China, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Israel, India, Japan, Greece, Rome, China, Taiwan, Macau |
| Religious use | Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintō, Christianity, Chinese folk religion |
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What You'll Learn
- Incense in religious practices: Incense is used in Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and ancient Egyptian religions
- Incense in ancient China: Incense has been used in China since ancient times, with its use becoming more widespread during the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties
- Incense in Japan: Agarwood and sandalwood are the two most important ingredients in Japanese incense
- Gods of wealth: Hindus pray to Lakshmi Ji and Lord Kuber for success and wealth
- Money traditions: In China, it is customary to gift children a red envelope filled with coins during the Lunar New Year
Incense in religious practices: Incense is used in Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and ancient Egyptian religions
Incense is used in many religions around the world, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and ancient Egyptian religions.
Hinduism
Incense has been used in India since 3600 BC and is a common feature of Hindu worship. It is offered to God in his various forms, such as Krishna and Rama, and is often burned during prayers and other rituals. The sticks are typically rotated thrice in a clockwise direction. The use of incense in Hindu worship is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, which states that "Krishna accepts the offering made to Him with love".
Buddhism
The burning of incense is a standard ritual in Buddhism, found in all schools of the religion. It is mentioned in the Pali Canon, scriptures that date to the life of the Buddha. Incense is offered at altars and is thought to purify the space, such as a meditation hall or a person's room. In Asia, it is considered disrespectful to blow out a burning incense stick; instead, people will wave the sticks to put them out or fan the flames with their hands.
Christianity
Incense is used in Christian worship during the celebration of the Eucharist, at funerals, and at the consecration of a church or altar, among other services. It is also placed in the Paschal candle. Different formulations of incense are used, often containing frankincense, benzoin, myrrh, styrax, copal, or other aromatics.
Ancient Egyptian Religion
The ancient Egyptians considered incense to be the "Fragrance of the Gods" and used it in religious rituals. They believed that burning incense before the statues of their gods offered the "Fragrance of the Gods" to the gods themselves. Incense was also associated with the God of fragrance, Nefertum, who represented the first sunlight and the scent of the Egyptian blue lotus flower.
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Incense in ancient China: Incense has been used in China since ancient times, with its use becoming more widespread during the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties
Incense, an aromatic material that releases a fragrant smoke when burnt, has been used in China since ancient times. The use of incense in China can be primarily divided into three stages: the origin of incense, the development of incense, and the popularity of incense.
The Origin of Incense
Incense was first used by Chinese cultures during Neolithic times, with its use becoming more widespread during the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. During this early period, the function of incense was more singular, mainly used for sacrificial purposes and worshipping the skies. The Chinese character for incense or aromatics was first recorded during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 - 1050 BCE). The earliest written source on incense is the Vedas, specifically the Atharvaveda and the Rigveda.
The Development of Incense
The development of incense in China occurred during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). During this time, there was an increased trade and acquisition of more fragrant foreign incense materials, as local incense materials were considered inferior. The first known Chinese book about aromatics, "Blended Incense Recipes", was written by the historian and politician Fan Ye around 430 CE. This book has been lost, but it is known that it prescribed many medicinal aromatic blends for illnesses. The art of incense burning, known as xiangdao, also developed during this period, with the use of various utensils and ceramic containers to burn incense.
The Popularity of Incense
The popularity of incense in China peaked during the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581 - 907 CE). The influx of "Southern Incense" from southern China reduced the price of incense, making it more widely accessible. Additionally, the development of Buddhism and Taoism during this period further contributed to the popularity of incense, as it became an integral part of religious practices. The Ming dynasty also saw the writing of the archetypal Chinese incense book, "Xiang Sheng", which is still considered the ultimate guide for Chinese incense creators.
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Incense in Japan: Agarwood and sandalwood are the two most important ingredients in Japanese incense
The use of incense is prevalent across many cultures and has been for centuries. Incense is used for a variety of purposes, including aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremony. In Japan, incense appreciation folklore includes art, culture, history, and ceremony. Agarwood and sandalwood are the two most important ingredients in Japanese incense.
Agarwood, known as "jinkō" in Japanese, is a fragrant wood that has been used in incense burning in Japan for centuries. It is native to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. The resin in the wood is so heavy that it will sink in water, which is why the characters in agarwood mean "incense that sinks in water." Agarwood was first imported into Japan from China via Korea in 538 CE during the Asuka period, coinciding with the introduction of Buddhism to the country. It was used to purify the space in front of a Buddhist altar. Agarwood is also burned in the form of incense sticks, which are perfect for enhancing meditation rituals or yoga practices.
The Nihon Shoki, a book of classical Japanese history, records that a log of agarwood drifted ashore on Awaji Island in 595 CE and was presented to Prince Shōtoku and Empress Suiko. Agarwood is becoming increasingly rare due to the depletion of the wild resource, making it very expensive. The most coveted type of agarwood is called "Kyara" or premium agarwood, which is known for its high oil content.
Sandalwood, or "byakudan" in Japanese, is another important ingredient in Japanese incense. It has a woody aroma and is also used for carving Buddhist statues and making crafts. The most valued sandalwood comes from Mysore in the state of Karnataka in India, where it is endangered. Sandalwood is used in the Japanese tea ceremony and is often used as the core of cored incense sticks, which are coated with a thick layer of incense material that burns away with the core.
In addition to agarwood and sandalwood, other materials used in Japanese incense include cinnamon bark, chebulic myrobalan, clove, ginger lily, lavender, licorice, patchouli, spikenard, chamomile, rhubarb, safflower, star anise, and other herbs. Shell fragrances and other animal-derived aromatic materials are also used.
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Gods of wealth: Hindus pray to Lakshmi Ji and Lord Kuber for success and wealth
Incense is an aromatic material that is burned to release a fragrant smoke. It has been used across various cultures and religions for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, and ceremonial purposes.
One such culture is Hinduism, where Hindus, especially the Śaivas, use incense for rituals and domestic offerings. They also burn incense during the festival of Diwali, which is celebrated in honour of the Hindu gods Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kuber, the treasurer of the gods and the king of Yaksha.
Lord Kuber, also known as the "guardian of wealth", is believed to distribute, maintain, and guard all the treasures of the universe. He is often depicted with a plump body, adorned with heavy jewellery, a money pot, and a club. Hindus pray to Lord Kuber, along with Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for wealth and success.
Goddess Lakshmi, also known as "Maa Lakshmi" or "Maa Mahalakshmi", is the supreme deity of Diwali and is worshipped for wealth, happiness, and prosperity. Devotees chant specific mantras, such as the Lakshmi Kuber Mantra, to invoke her name and seek her blessings. It is believed that chanting these mantras with devotion and fervour can bring quick results and help attain material possessions, comfort, and success in life.
Thus, Hindus pray to Lakshmi Ji and Lord Kuber, seeking their blessings for success and wealth, making them an integral part of Hindu culture and worship.
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Money traditions: In China, it is customary to gift children a red envelope filled with coins during the Lunar New Year
Incense has been used in various cultures and religions for centuries, including in ancient China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In China, incense was burned during festivals and processions to honour ancestors and household gods.
Now, onto the money traditions:
In China, it is customary to gift children a red envelope filled with money during the Lunar New Year. This tradition, known as "Hong Bao" in Mandarin, "lai see" in Cantonese, and "ang pow" in Hokkien, is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The colour red symbolizes energy, happiness, and good luck in Chinese culture.
The tradition of giving red envelopes originates from ancient Chinese New Year stories. According to legend, a demon named Sui would terrorize children while they slept on New Year's Eve. To keep a child awake, his parents gave him eight coins to play with, which eventually scared the demon away. The eight coins were believed to be eight fairies who protected the child.
Today, the red envelope is symbolic of these coins and is sometimes called "ya sui qian" or "suppressing Sui money". It is believed that those who receive a red envelope will have a safe and peaceful year ahead. The amount of money given is usually even, as odd numbers are associated with being forever alone, and the number four is avoided as it sounds similar to the word for death in Chinese. Amounts including the number eight are considered lucky.
Red envelopes are also given on other occasions, such as birthdays and weddings, and are exchanged among friends, family, and colleagues to share good wishes and blessings. The custom has spread beyond China and is practised by the Chinese diaspora and in some other Asian countries.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. It is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremony.
Incense is used across many cultures, including Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. It is also used by Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.
The significance of burning incense varies across cultures. In some cultures, it is used to create a pleasant aroma or as a medicinal tool. In others, it is used to rid the environment of negative energy, for meditation, or as a religious offering.
Burning money is uncommon due to its perceived unluckiness in Asian cultures. However, in Chinese culture, people burn joss paper, a type of paper craft, as an offering to their ancestors and deities. This practice is also observed in Taiwan, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia. The burning of joss paper, also known as spirit money, is believed to provide for the welfare of the deceased in the afterlife.
