Seamus Hammond
The burning of incense in churches has been a tradition for centuries, with its roots in the ancient world. Incense is burned for a variety of reasons, including purification, sanctification, and as a symbolic offering to various deities or spirits. In Christian worship, incense is often used to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, with the smoke serving as an intermediary substance between earth and air. The practice of burning incense is especially prevalent in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches, Anglican churches, and several others. The incense is typically burned in a censer or 'thurible', with the smoke filling the church and creating an atmosphere of solemnity, mystery, and sacredness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Symbol of prayer, Purification, Sanctification, Symbol of honour, Bless statues and images |
| Religious Use | Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian Churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, Anglican Churches, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto Shrines, Islam |
| Ingredients | Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin, Storax, Onycha, Galbanum, Copal, Styrax, Aromatics |
| Use | During Mass, Celebration of the Eucharist, Solemn Vespers, Solemn Evensong, Funerals, Benediction, Consecration of a church or altar, Purification ritual, Rite of Consecrating of the Chrism, Blessing of holy oils |
| History | First recorded use in 3600 BC in the Indus Valley Civilisation, Used by Egyptians in 2345-2494 BC, Used by Hindus for centuries by the 5th Dynasty, Used in Jewish Temple worship, Mentioned in the Bible 170 times, Used in the Catholic Church since the 5th century |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Incense in Christian worship
The use of incense in Christian worship has its roots in antiquity, with the practice being inspired by passages in the Bible. The first recorded use of incense was by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. However, the use of incense in Christian worship specifically dates back to the fifth century, after Christianity was firmly established.
In the Bible, the Book of Exodus recounts God's instructions to build an altar of incense to stand beside the altar of sacrifice (Exodus 30:1-10). God also provided a recipe for making the incense, which included "aromatic substances" such as storax, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense (Exodus 30:34). The priest was commanded to burn incense each morning and evening when he entered the tabernacle to tend to the lamps, symbolizing God's constant guiding presence (Exodus 30:8).
Incense is often used in Christian worship as a symbol of prayer, with the smoke representing 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 in purification rituals, such as purifying coffins at funerals and blessing statues and images.
In Christian worship, the server who carries the thurible (censer) containing the burning incense is called a thurifer. The use of incense is optional for most Masses, and its use varies across different denominations. Incense is commonly used in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. It is also increasingly being used in other Christian groups, such as Methodism.
How the Altar of Incense Was Carried
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Incense in Jewish worship
The use of incense in Jewish worship is a practice that dates back to ancient times. While the specific ingredients used in the incense offering were kept secret by the priests of the House of Avtinas during the Second Temple period, it is believed that the incense was made from a blend of sweet spices and aromatic condiments. The act of burning incense is mentioned in the Old Testament, where it is described as a sacrificial offering made by priests in a pan ("maḥtah") or on a special incense altar. This altar was located at the end of the Holy compartment of the tabernacle, next to the curtain dividing it from the Most Holy.
The practice of burning incense continued throughout the early years of Israel's settlement and in the Temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem. According to Jewish law, the ingredients used in making the incense were to be re-pounded twice a year. The priests offered incense offerings twice a day: once in the morning, immediately after clearing the stone altar of its coals, and again in the evening, after clearing the altar from its coals and embers.
The purpose of burning incense in Jewish worship is not entirely clear, but there are several theories. Some suggest that it was used to purify the air and mask the bad odors from sacrificed animals, while others believe it was meant to ward off evil spirits and demons. The incense may also have been used to atone for the "evil tongue," spoken by one person against another. In later Christian typology, the smoke of incense in the tabernacle is often interpreted as symbolizing prayer.
The use of incense in Jewish worship continued even after the destruction of the Second Temple. In Samaritan and Rabbinic synagogues, incense was burned to commemorate the incense used in the former temple rites. This practice remained in evidence until the 19th century, particularly on festive occasions and to convey respect. However, among Rabbinic Jews, the custom of burning incense in synagogues likely came to an end in the Middle Ages due to strict Karaite objections and concerns of idolatry.
Self-Igniting Incense: A Guide to Lighting and Usage
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Incense in Buddhist ceremonies
Incense has a long and significant history in Buddhist ceremonies and practices. Its use is deeply rooted in the traditions and rituals of Buddhism and plays a vital role in creating a sacred and auspicious atmosphere during various Buddhist events. The act of burning incense is considered an offering to the Buddha, symbolizing the sweet fragrance of virtue and the purification of the mind and body.
In Buddhist ceremonies, incense is typically burned in a censer, which is a special container designed to hold burning incense. Censors come in various shapes and sizes, but they usually have a lid with a small hole to allow the smoke to escape and a handle for easy transportation. The censer is often placed on a stand or altar, and the burning incense produces a slow-burning, fragrant smoke that fills the ceremony space.
The type of incense used in Buddhist ceremonies can vary, but it is typically made from natural ingredients such as herbs, woods, and resins. The incense may be in the form of sticks, coils, or powdered incense. Stick incense is perhaps the most common form, with the incense mixture being rolled onto a thin bamboo stick, which is then lit and allowed to burn slowly, releasing a steady stream of fragrant smoke. Coiled incense is also used, which tends to burn for longer periods and is often preferred for extended ceremonies or meditations.
The act of lighting and offering incense is a ritual in itself. Before a ceremony, monks or practitioners may prepare the incense by arranging it in the censer and carefully lighting it. The incense is then offered to the Buddha statue or image, with the smoke symbolizing the offering of respect, devotion, and gratitude. The fragrant smoke is believed to carry prayers and wishes to the heavens, creating a connection between the earthly and spiritual realms.
Cleansing with Incense: A Guide to Purifying Your Body and Mind
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Incense in Shinto shrines
Incense burning has been an important facet of Japanese culture for many centuries, dating back to at least the 8th century. The practice was introduced to Japan via Buddhism, which arrived in the country around 538 CE, and has since been incorporated into various aspects of Japanese life, including Shinto shrines.
In Shinto, incense is burned for several reasons. One purpose is purification, with the smoke creating a 'path' or 'connection' to the divine and serving as a sacred offering that calms the mind and facilitates communication with the transcendent. Incense is also used in Shinto shrines to 'ask for help from the Gods', with worshippers believing that the scent is pleasing to the kami (deities or spirits) and can drive away demons.
The use of incense in Shinto has not been without controversy, however. At one point, incense was viewed as unclean and was banned from Shinto homes due to its association with death and the dead in Buddhism. Lafcadio Hearn, for example, noted that chieftains had outlawed incense, believing it to be attractive to demons and an affront to the kami.
Despite this, the use of incense in Shinto shrines continued, and it remains an important aspect of Shinto practice today. The appreciation of incense in Japan is known as "Kōdō" or the "Way of Incense", and it is considered one of the classical arts of refinement, on par with the Way of Flowers and the Way of Tea.
Incense Powder Smoking: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$81.99
Incense burners
In the context of Christian worship, the use of incense burners, or thuribles, is prevalent in several denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Churches, and Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches. The act of burning incense during religious services adds a sense of solemnity and mystery, with the smoke symbolizing the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
To use an incense burner, one typically places a piece of charcoal or a lit tealight candle inside the burner. Incense grains or sticks are then placed onto the heat source, releasing aromatic smoke. In some cases, incense sticks can be placed horizontally on top of a bed of ash, as is common in Japanese Shinto shrines.
The use of incense burners in churches serves both symbolic and practical purposes. Symbolically, the smoke rising from the burner represents the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven, connecting the earthly and the divine. Additionally, the aromatic smoke is believed to purify the altar and sanctify the sacred space.
Handmade Eucalyptus Incense: Crafting Aromatic Bliss
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Incense is burned in churches. The practice has its origins in ancient times, with the first recorded use of incense by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC.
Incense is burned in a censer or 'thurible'.
The smoke from burning incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven and serves to sanctify and purify the space.
![Premium Nickel-Plated Brass Incense Holder [Glossy Silver-Colored, 3.93 Inch] – Censer for Charcoal, Aromatherapy, and Smoking Resins](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515+7NeSHtL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
