Katrina Rosales
Incense has been used in Christian liturgy since its earliest days, and its use in Catholic churches dates back to the 5th century. The container used for burning incense in a church is called a thurible or a censer, and it is typically a metal container suspended on chains, allowing it to be swung to distribute the fragrant smoke. The incense itself is usually a blend of frankincense, myrrh, and other aromatic ingredients. The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification, and it is used to signify the prayers of the faithful and to bring solemnity to proceedings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of container | Thurible or censer |
| Material | Metal |
| Structure | Suspended on chains |
| Purpose | To distribute the fragrant smoke |
| Incense ingredients | Frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, styrax, opoponax, and essential oils |
| Incense form | Pebbly grains or powder |
| Incense use | During the celebration of the Eucharist, Divine Office, Solemn Vespers, Solemn Evensong, funerals, benediction, consecration of a church or altar, and other services |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is burned in a thurible or censer
The use of incense in Catholic churches has a long history, with the Bible mentioning incense 170 times. The practice has its roots in ancient times, with the first recorded use of incense by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. The Egyptians during the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC) were the first non-Asian civilisation to use incense, and its use was continued by the Hindus for centuries.
Incense is used in Catholic liturgies and services to add solemnity and depth to the proceedings. It is often used during the entrance procession, at the Gospel reading, at the offertory, and during the elevation of the Eucharist. It is also common during benedictions, funerals, and other special services.
The incense burned in Catholic churches is usually a blend of frankincense (also known as gum olibanum) with myrrh, benzoin, and other resinous and aromatic ingredients, as well as essential oils. The sweet fragrance of frankincense and the intricate aroma of myrrh create a unique and heavenly scent.
The ritual of burning incense is not just a pleasant aroma but is steeped in tradition and symbolism, enhancing the spiritual experience for worshippers.
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It is used during the entrance procession
Incense is used in the Catholic Church during processions, Gospel readings, offertories, and the elevation of the Eucharist. It is also used during benedictions, funerals, and other special services. The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification, as well as the prayers of the faithful.
The use of incense in the Catholic Church adds an extra layer of solemnity to the proceedings. Incense is often burned in a thurible or censer, a metal container suspended on chains that allow it to be swung to distribute the fragrant smoke. The smoke of incense is believed to symbolically purify all that it touches, including those preparing to receive Holy Communion during the Holy Qurbono (Chaldean sacrificial liturgy).
The use of incense in religious rituals originated in ancient times, with the first recorded use by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilization in 3600 BC. The Egyptians during the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC) were the first in the non-Asian world to discover its use, and it was already in use by Hindus for centuries by this time. Incense use later spread to China and then to other parts of East Asia, where it became an integral part of Buddhist ceremonies and rites.
The tradition of burning incense in the Catholic Church is a rich tapestry woven through the centuries, with the earliest documented history of its use during a Catholic sacrificial liturgy coming from the Eastern branch of the Church. The rituals of the Divine Liturgies of Saint James and Saint Mark, dating back to the 5th century, include the use of incense. In the Western Church, the 7th-century Ordo Romanus VIII of Saint Amand mentions the use of incense during the procession of a bishop to the altar on Good Friday.
The sweet fragrance of incense, such as frankincense, and myrrh, fills the sanctuary as the priest swings the censer, creating a heavenly scent that wafts out to the worshippers. Incense is also used to purify the altar and signify the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven.
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Incense symbolises sanctification and purification
Incense has been used in religious rituals since ancient times, with its earliest recorded use by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. It has been used in Christian worship during the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, and other services. In the Catholic Church, incense is used to symbolise sanctification and purification.
The smoke from burning incense is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising up to God in heaven. This belief is supported by passages from the Bible, such as Psalm 141, which states, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice." The use of incense is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where an angel brings a censer of incense to the altar, along with the prayers of God's holy ones.
Incense is also used to purify the altar and the sanctuary area, invoking the mercy of God and creating a sacred atmosphere. In the Catholic Church, this purification is symbolic of the removal of sin and the preparation of oneself as a purified offering to God. This is in line with the spiritual meaning found in the wisdom books of the Old Testament, where prayer is connected with purification.
The use of incense in Catholic liturgies is not just a tradition but holds theological significance. It serves as an outward sign of spiritual realities, enhancing the sensory experience of prayer and worship. The sweet fragrance of incense, often a blend of frankincense, myrrh, and other resins, adds richness and depth to the rituals, connecting the faithful to centuries of faith and tradition.
The container used for burning incense in a Catholic Church is called a thurible or censer. It is typically a metal container suspended on chains, allowing it to be swung to distribute the fragrant smoke. The act of swinging the thurible is often done during special parts of the service, adding solemnity and a heavenly ambiance to the proceedings.
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It is used at funerals
Incense is used at Catholic funerals to symbolise sanctification and purification, as well as the prayers of the faithful. The smoke rising heavenward is thought to symbolise the ascent of the soul to heaven.
The use of incense in Catholic funerals dates back to the early days of Christian liturgy, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. In the Bible, God commanded Moses to make an altar of incense for worship in the Tabernacle:
> You shall make an altar to burn incense upon; of acacia wood shall you make it... And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; every morning when he dresses the lamps he shall burn it, and when Aaron sets up the lamps in the evening, he shall burn it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generation.
The container used for burning incense in a Catholic church is called a thurible or a censer. It is typically a metal container suspended on chains, allowing it to be swung to distribute the fragrant smoke. The priest, deacon or server swings the censer, filling the church with the aroma of incense.
The specific types of incense used in Catholic churches vary depending on the region and type of church. However, blends of frankincense, myrrh, benzoin and other aromatic ingredients are commonly used.
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Incense is made from frankincense, myrrh and other resins
Incense is a significant part of Catholic Church rituals, adding an extra layer of solemnity to the proceedings. The incense is burned in a metal container called a thurible or censer, which is suspended on chains and swung to distribute the fragrant smoke.
Incense is made from a blend of frankincense, myrrh, and other resins. Frankincense is a hard, gelatinous resin obtained from the trunk incisions of the frankincense tree (Boswellia carterii Birdw.), while myrrh is an oily, gelatinous substance that comes from the bark of the Commiphora myrrha tree. Both trees are native to Somalia, Ethiopia, and India. The sap is collected by cutting the tree's bark and allowing the sap to dry on the tree for several months. The hardened sap is then used as incense.
Frankincense has a sweet, bright, and often citrusy or piney fragrance, while myrrh has a more intricate and darker aroma. These resins have been used in the West as incense for religious occasions since ancient times. They are also used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of chronic diseases. The combination of frankincense and myrrh creates a blend that has enhanced therapeutic effects, such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
The fragrances of frankincense and myrrh are not just pleasant aromas but also carry centuries of tradition, spirituality, and devotion. They are believed to purify the surroundings and signify the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven. The act of preparing and burning incense is not just a ritual but a way to connect with centuries of faith and infuse each ceremony with depth and meaning.
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Frequently asked questions
The container used for burning incense in a Catholic church is called a thurible or a censer.
Incense is usually made from a blend of frankincense (gum olibanum) and myrrh, with the addition of other resinous and aromatic ingredients like benzoin, styrax, opoponax, and essential oils.
Incense is used at various times during Catholic services, including the entrance procession, the Gospel reading, the offertory, the elevation of the Eucharist, funerals, and other special services.
The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification. It also symbolizes the prayers of the faithful, representing their spiritual devotion and connecting them to centuries of faith and tradition.
