Lance Carson
The hippie counterculture emerged in the mid-1960s and continued to gain momentum until the mid-1970s. During this time, the use of incense became popular among hippies, marking a shift in its perception. Initially associated with religious groups and the Catholic Church, incense gained traction among hippies due to their interest in Eastern religions and philosophies. The variety of incense fragrances available during this time included sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine, and lavender, with Nag Champa and Palo Santo also being favoured by the hippie community. The burning of incense was believed to induce a spiritual experience, enhance moods, and promote relaxation, aligning with the holistic health movement that emerged during that era.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time Period | Mid-1960s to mid-1970s |
| Culture | Hippie/Counterculture |
| Use | Religious, Medicinal, Repelling Insects, Meditation, Overcoming Unwanted Smells |
| Production | Handmade, Mass-Produced |
| Ingredients | Sage, Cedar, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Jasmine, Lavender, Frankincense, Myrrh, Nag Champa, Palo Santo, Agarwood, etc. |
| Benefits | Improved Sleep and Relaxation, Improved Mental Focus, Clarity, Enhanced Creativity |
| Associations | Drug Culture, New Age Movement, Aromatherapy, Holistic Healing |
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What You'll Learn
Incense's association with the hippie counterculture
The hippie counterculture, which emerged in the mid-1960s and lasted until the mid-1970s, was associated with a variety of fragrances, including incense. The use of incense in this movement was influenced by the popularity of Eastern religions and philosophies from India, Japan, Tibet, and China. Travelling to these regions and adopting their practices was considered a rite of passage for many followers of the counterculture.
During the 1960s, incense was not widely available in commercial outlets in Western countries, but its popularity among the counterculture followers, often referred to as hippies, led to its spread. Incense fragrances like sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine, and lavender became common in stores, apartments, and front porches frequented by hippies. The association between incense and the hippie counterculture was so strong that even decades later, the scent of incense may evoke memories of that era.
The rise in popularity of incense during the 1960s was also influenced by the emergence of aromatherapy, the belief that scent can alter human consciousness. This belief aligned with the holistic health and New Age movements that gained traction during that decade. Incense was seen not only as a way to create a pleasing fragrance but also as a tool for medicinal and spiritual purposes, relaxation, and improved mental focus.
One of the popular types of incense among hippies was Nag Champa, which is still considered a classic "hippie" fragrance. Other varieties of incense favoured by hippies included patchouli, lavender, and frankincense. These fragrances were easily accessible in accessory and clothing stores in areas with a significant hippie population.
Over time, the association between incense and the hippie counterculture evolved. While it was initially linked to the drug culture of the 1960s, this association faded as incense became more accepted in conventional homes and communities in the 1970s. Today, incense is often associated with holistic healing, heightened sensory awareness, and pleasure rather than solely with the hippie movement. However, the legacy of the hippie counterculture's interest in incense and aromatherapy continues to influence modern practices and beliefs surrounding scent and wellness.
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The rise of aromatherapy
The 1960s saw the emergence of the hippie counterculture, which continued to gain momentum until the mid-1970s. During this time, the use of incense became increasingly popular, particularly among hippies and counterculture followers. This popularity led to the growth of aromatherapy, which is the belief that scent can alter human consciousness.
Incense has a long history in various cultures and religions, but in the 1960s, it became widely known due to its association with the hippie movement. The rise in travellers to the East and the fascination with the religions and philosophies of India, Japan, Tibet, and China contributed to the growing popularity of incense. It became a sought-after item brought back from trips to these exotic lands. As a result, incense began to appear in import stores and even clothing stores in areas with a significant hippie population.
The growth of aromatherapy and the New Age movement further increased the demand for incense. Scents like sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine, and lavender became popular choices, not just for hippies but also for a wider range of consumers. Incense was no longer a rarity but could be found in candle and furniture stores, as well as community spaces and conventional homes.
The association with the drug culture of the 1960s and 1970s also played a role in the spread of incense use. While this connection has largely been outgrown, it initially contributed to the perception of incense as exotic and even illicit. However, as time passed, incense became linked more with holistic healing, heightened sensory awareness, and pleasure.
Today, incense is accessible in a variety of forms, including hand-rolled sticks and cones, with a range of fragrances to suit individual tastes. It continues to be used for religious and spiritual purposes, as well as for creating a calming atmosphere and enhancing meditation practices. The use of incense has evolved from a counterculture curiosity to a mainstream product, with a dedicated following of incense enthusiasts who appreciate its transformative power on their mood and senses.
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Incense's use in religious ceremonies
The use of incense in religious ceremonies is a practice with a long history, dating back to ancient China around 2000 BCE. Incense has been an integral part of religious and spiritual ceremonies for centuries, with various faiths and cultures adopting its use over time. Incense is believed to have first been used in China for religious worship, and it later spread to other parts of East Asia, including Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond.
In East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and Chinese Taoist and Japanese Shinto rites, incense holds a significant role. It is believed to purify the surroundings and summon deities and celestial beings. Worshippers in these traditions light and burn sticks of incense, waving or raising them above their heads while bowing to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors. Thick coils of incense are often hung from the ceiling or placed on special stands in Taoist and Buddhist temples, filling the inner spaces with fragrant smoke.
The use of incense in Christianity, specifically in the Catholic Church, is also well-known. Incense is burned during liturgical services, processions, and prayers, with the smoke symbolizing the rising prayers of the faithful to heaven. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, incense holders called thuribles, made of metal and suspended by chains, are used during services and prayers. The act of burning incense is seen as a modern version of the ancient practice of burnt offerings.
Incense has also been employed in Islamic traditions, such as the Tahfidh graduation ceremony and the regular rite of purifying and cleansing the Ka'aba in Makkah. It is believed to uplift the souls of pilgrims with its fragrant smoke. Additionally, in Mandaeism, incense is offered on stands called "kinta" during rituals such as baptism and death masses, establishing a communion between humans on Earth and celestial beings.
The use of incense in religious ceremonies is not limited to these faiths alone. It has also been a part of Jewish traditions, with aromatic spices used in the Havdalah ceremony ending the Sabbath. The ancient practice of using incense in Jewish services is still studied, and pleasant smells are considered a blessing. Incense has also been used in Hindu religious ceremonies and festivals in India, where clay and metal incense holders are employed.
The variety of incense fragrances and their strength have contributed to their use in different religious contexts. Incense can mask undesirable odours, making it practical for funerary ceremonies and crowded religious gatherings. The act of burning incense is often associated with purification and sanctification, connecting the physical realm with the divine.
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Incense as a healing tool
The use of incense during the hippie era of the 1960s and 1970s was strongly linked to the counterculture of the time. The hippie movement was influenced by the religions and philosophies of India, Japan, Tibet, and China, and this helped to popularise incense in Western countries. The use of incense was associated with the New Age movement, holistic health, and aromatherapy, and it was believed that scent could alter human consciousness.
Incense has been used as a healing tool for thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient Egypt and India. In ancient Egypt, incense was believed to protect from malevolent spirits and was offered to the gods. In India, the use of incense as a healing tool can be traced back to the ancient Vedic texts, composed between 1500 and 1200 BCE. Today, incense is still used for medicinal purposes and is believed to provide a range of benefits, including improved sleep, relaxation, mental focus, clarity, and enhanced creativity.
The practice of aromatherapy, which uses scent to alter consciousness and promote healing, was born in the 1960s alongside the rise in popularity of incense. During this time, fragrances such as sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine, and lavender were particularly favoured by hippies and other counterculture groups. These scents were used to create a sense of calm and well-being and were believed to promote a connection to nature and spiritual practices.
The use of incense has evolved since the hippie era, and today it is more commonly associated with holistic healing and higher awareness through the senses. The market for incense has grown, and it can now be found in a variety of settings, including candle and furniture stores. The growth of online communication has also contributed to the emergence of a subculture of incense hobbyists who collect and review rare and expensive incense products from around the world.
Incense continues to be used as a tool for healing and transformation, with many individuals incorporating it into their wellness routines. The scent of incense can evoke a sense of calm and well-being, improve mental focus, and enhance creativity. It is often used in combination with other sensory tools such as candles, resins, and dried herbs to create a specific atmosphere and enhance the overall sensory experience.
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Incense's evolution from the 1960s to today
The use of incense has evolved significantly since the 1960s, both in terms of its cultural significance and its availability. During the 1960s, incense was closely associated with the hippie counterculture that emerged on the West Coast of the United States. This counterculture was influenced by the religions and philosophies of India, Japan, Tibet, and China, and those who embraced it often travelled to these regions, returning with incense as one of their new "necessities".
Prior to the 1960s, incense was a relatively obscure product, used by some religious groups, advanced thinkers, and the Catholic Church. It was not commonly available in major department stores or other commercial outlets. However, as the counterculture movement gained momentum, incense began to appear in accessory and clothing stores in areas with a sizeable hippie population. Incense was also used to cover up the pungent smell of marijuana, leading to its association with drug use. Despite this association, the 1960s saw a surge in the popularity of incense, with fragrances like sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine, and lavender floating in stores, apartments, and on porches frequented by hippies and other counterculture followers.
In the decades since the 1960s, incense has largely shed its connection to drug culture, though some lower socioeconomic groups may still hold this association. Instead, it has become linked to the idea of holistic healing, higher awareness through the senses, and pure pleasure. The variety and quality of incense available today, both imported and domestically produced, is extensive. The growth of online communities has given rise to a subculture of incense hobbyists who collect and review rare and expensive incense products from around the world.
Today, incense is used worldwide for meditation, relaxation, and spiritual practices. It continues to play a significant role in various cultures, serving as a symbol of spiritual connection, purification, and tradition. Incense is believed to purify the air, body, and mind of negative energies, and its soothing aroma is often used to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The forms and methods of incense burning differ across cultures and have evolved over time with technological advancements. Incense can generally be categorized into two types: indirect-burning (or non-combustible) and direct-burning (or combustible). Direct-burning incense, also known as incense sticks, is the most common type and can be made from a variety of materials, including bamboo, wood, herbs, and plant products.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is a biotic material that releases a fragrance when burnt. It is commonly used in religious ceremonies and for meditation and medicinal purposes.
During the 1960s, the hippie counterculture movement popularised the use of incense, which was previously used by some religious groups and advanced folks. Popular fragrances included sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine, and lavender.
The religions and philosophies of India, Japan, Tibet, and China became fashionable in the hippie movement, and many travellers brought back incense from these places.
You can buy incense from speciality stores like The Hippie House in Australia and New Zealand, and Hippy Clothing Co. in the UK.
Incense sticks are the most common type of direct-burning incense. They are made by wrapping scented incense around a small stick and then lighting one tip so that it burns to the other end. Incense cones are usually placed in a holder and burned from the top down.
