Antonio Mcgowan
Incense is used in many cultures and religions, including Christianity and the Orthodox Church, as a symbol of purification and sanctification. The burning of incense during funeral services is believed to symbolise the prayers of the congregation rising to heaven and is also used as a sign of honour and reverence for the deceased. The incense used is typically a blend of natural ingredients, including fragrant resins and essential oils, with each church having its own unique blend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Symbol of purification and sanctification; symbol of honour to the deceased; symbol of prayer |
| Ingredients | Fragrant resins, essential oils, frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, styrax, opoponax |
| Method | Burned on charcoal in an incense burner or thurible; can also be burned on a tealight candle |
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What You'll Learn
- Incense is used to symbolise the prayers of the congregation rising to heaven
- Incense is used to honour the body of the deceased
- Incense is used to purify and sanctify
- Incense is used to unite the prayers of the living with those of the Saints
- Incense is used to enhance the worship experience, creating an atmosphere of tranquility
Incense is used to symbolise the prayers of the congregation rising to heaven
Incense has been used in religious contexts for millennia, with its roots in ancient Catholic tradition. The use of incense in Christian practice was inherited from Jewish worship. In Exodus, Chapter 30, God instructs Moses to build an altar of incense to purify the Tabernacle, where the Ark of the Covenant was held.
The smoke from burning incense is seen by the church as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is referenced in Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering". Similarly, in the Book of Revelation, an angel stands at the altar with a golden censer, and the smoke of the incense rises with the prayers of the saints before God.
During a funeral mass, the presider will incense the coffin as a sign of prayer and reverence for the deceased, whose body became a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit through baptism. The incense is also used to symbolise honour for the deceased.
The specific type of incense used in religious contexts varies, with different churches and monasteries having their own unique blends. Typically, Catholic churches use a blend of frankincense (gum olibanum) with myrrh, benzoin, and other resinous and aromatic ingredients, such as styrax and opoponax, as well as essential oils. The Orthodox Church, including Greek Orthodox, often uses a blend called "Athonite-style" incense, with frankincense as its base.
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Incense is used to honour the body of the deceased
Incense is used at funerals to honour the body of the deceased. This practice has roots in ancient Catholic tradition, with the sweet-smelling haze creating an atmosphere of tranquillity, serenity, and sacredness. The burning of incense is also symbolic, representing the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is referenced in Psalm 141:2, which reads, "Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering." Similarly, in the New Testament Book of Revelation (8:4), it is written, "The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel."
Incense is often used during the final commendation at the funeral Mass, which expresses our farewell and shows honour to the deceased, a temple of the Holy Spirit. The smoke of the incense is believed to mingle with the prayers of the mourners, creating a sense of connection with the divine. The specific type of incense used can vary, but it is typically a blend of natural ingredients, including resins, essential oils, and other aromatic substances.
In the Catholic Church, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal permits the use of incense during the funeral Mass. The presider will incense the coffin as a sign of prayer and reverence for the deceased, who, through baptism, became a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. This ritual symbolises the purification and sanctification of the deceased's soul.
The use of incense at funerals is not limited to Catholic traditions. For example, the Orthodox Church, including the Greek Orthodox Church, uses a special blend called "Athonite-style" incense, which typically includes frankincense as the base, combined with other resins and essential oils. This blend results in a rich, complex fragrance that is both earthy and ethereal, providing a unique spiritual atmosphere.
Overall, the use of incense at funerals serves as a symbolic and atmospheric element, honouring the body and soul of the deceased through its aroma and its association with prayer and worship.
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Incense is used to purify and sanctify
The use of incense during funeral masses in the Catholic Church serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it symbolises the prayers of the congregation directed towards heaven. Secondly, incensing the casket or coffin honours and shows reverence for the body of the deceased, who through baptism became a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The sweet scent of burning incense creates an atmosphere of tranquillity and sacredness, enhancing the worship experience and promoting a sense of connection with the divine.
The specific type of incense used can vary, but it is typically a blend of natural ingredients, each contributing to a unique aroma. Fragrant resins, such as frankincense (gum olibanum) and myrrh, are often combined with essential oils and other aromatic ingredients like styrax and opoponax. The result is a rich, complex fragrance that can evoke a sense of mystery and spirituality.
In the Orthodox Church, including the Greek Orthodox tradition, a special blend called "Athonite-style" incense is commonly used. This mix usually has frankincense as its base, combined with other resins and essential oils, resulting in an earthy and ethereal fragrance. Each church or monastery may have its own unique blend, adding a personal touch to their spiritual atmosphere.
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Incense is used to unite the prayers of the living with those of the Saints
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries, and its use is deeply rooted in ancient Catholic tradition. In the context of funerals, incense serves multiple symbolic purposes. Firstly, it is believed to unite the prayers of the living with those of the Saints, as described in the Book of Revelation:
> "And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God." (Revelation 8:3-4)
The smoke of burning incense is seen as a representation of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is also reflected in Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering." Additionally, the use of incense during funeral masses symbolizes honour and reverence for the deceased, acknowledging their body as a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit through baptism.
The specific type of incense used in Catholic churches is typically a blend of natural ingredients, including fragrant resins and essential oils. Each ingredient contributes to the unique aroma, creating a symphony of scents that uplift the senses and enhance the worship experience. While the exact blends may vary, common ingredients include frankincense (gum olibanum), myrrh, benzoin, styrax, and opoponax. The Orthodox Church, including Greek Orthodox, often uses a special blend called "Athonite-style" incense, with frankincense as the base.
The act of burning incense during funerals adds a layer of solemnity and sacredness to the ceremony, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and spiritual connection. It serves as a reminder of the ancient symbol of purification and sanctification, as instructed by the Lord to Moses in the Old Testament for the purification of the Tabernacle.
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Incense is used to enhance the worship experience, creating an atmosphere of tranquility
Incense is used in many religious contexts, including funerals, to enhance the worship experience and create an atmosphere of tranquility, serenity, and sacredness. The sweet scent of burning incense is believed to promote a sense of connection with the divine and has been used as a symbol of purification and sanctification.
The use of incense at funerals is often associated with the symbolic meaning of honouring the deceased and their body, which through baptism became a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. During a funeral mass, the smoke from burning incense is seen as a representation of the prayers of the congregation rising to heaven, as mentioned in Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands, an evening offering." Similarly, in the Book of Revelation, incense is described as mingling with the prayers of the saints, further emphasizing the connection between incense and prayer.
The specific type of incense used at funerals can vary, but it is often a blend of natural ingredients, including fragrant resins and essential oils, each contributing to a unique aroma. For example, the Catholic Church typically uses a blend of frankincense (gum olibanum), myrrh, benzoin, and other aromatic ingredients, such as styrax and opoponax. The Orthodox Church, including Greek Orthodox, often uses a special blend called "Athonite-style" incense, with frankincense as the base, combined with other resins and essential oils, resulting in an earthy and ethereal fragrance.
The act of burning incense during funeral rituals can be a meaningful way to pay respect to the deceased and create a serene atmosphere. The scent of incense has a profound impact on the worship experience, evoking a sense of connection to something greater than oneself and providing comfort during times of grief.
While the use of incense is a traditional aspect of funeral ceremonies, it is important to be cautious of any potential allergies that mourners may have, and to be prepared to forego its use if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
The smoke of burning incense is seen by the church as an image of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. Incense is also used during the final commendation at the funeral mass as a sign of honour to the deceased.
The incense used at funerals is typically a blend of natural ingredients, including resins and essential oils, each contributing to a unique aroma. The Orthodox Church, for example, uses a special blend called "Athonite-style" incense, which includes frankincense as the base. Most Catholic churches use a blend of frankincense with the addition of myrrh, benzoin, and other resinous and aromatic ingredients.
To burn incense, you need an incense burner or a thurible. Place a piece of charcoal in the burner and sprinkle a small amount of incense on top. As the smoke rises, it fills the room with its aroma. Alternatively, you can use a tealight candle in a heat-safe dish. Sprinkle the incense on a piece of foil placed above the flame.
