Seamus Hammond
Incense offerings are a significant part of many religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Hellenism. In the Book of Exodus, God commands Moses to create a sacred incense using specific sweet spices and aromatic condiments, which was to be burned on an altar as an offering to the Lord. The act of burning incense is often associated with prayer, symbolizing the faithful's devotion and reverence for God. In medieval Christian art, the smoke from incense is depicted as representing the prayers of the people rising up to God. Similarly, in Hellenism, incense is burned and offered to the gods, with practitioners reciting prayers or hymns. The specific blend and preparation methods of incense offerings vary across different traditions and cultures, each carrying its own symbolic significance and ritual practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To ward off evil spirits and demons, to atone for the "evil tongue", to cover the Holy of Holies with a smoke screen, to symbolise prayer, to be a pleasing aroma to God |
| Materials | Sweet spices, stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, aromatic cane, cassia, olive oil, balsam, styrax benzoin, bdellium, cloves, ferula galbaniflua, narthex, giant fennel, rosin, ḥelbanah |
| Religious Traditions | Judaism, Hellenism, Christianity |
| Religious Texts | Talmud, Torah, New Testament, Old Testament, Book of Exodus, Leviticus, Psalms, Isaiah, Luke, Revelation, Mishnah, Proverbs |
| Ritual Objects | Incense holder, bowl, sand, ash, feather, charcoal disc, fireproof/heat-resistant surface, altar of incense, Ark of the Covenant, Ark of the Testimony |
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What You'll Learn
Incense offerings in Judaism
Incense offerings have played an important role in Judaism, with references to their use found in the Torah and other religious texts. The practice of burning incense, or "ketoret" in Hebrew, is believed to have originated in ancient times, with the Israelites using fragrant substances in their religious rituals.
The Book of Exodus describes God's instructions to Moses regarding the preparation of sacred incense:
> "Take unto yourself sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight: And you shall make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together [salted], pure and holy..."
The recipe for this incense was carefully guarded, known only to those who prepared it, to prevent its use in the worship of foreign gods. The incense was composed of 11 spices, four of which are explicitly mentioned in the Torah: balsam oil (צרי), onycha (הצפורן), storax (חלבנה), and frankincense (לבונה). The remaining seven spices were communicated orally to Moses and are part of the Oral Tradition.
In the Tabernacle and the First and Second Temple periods, incense offerings were an integral part of priestly liturgy. Priests offered incense twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. The incense was burned on a special altar, known as the "ketoret" altar, which was made of acacia wood covered in gold. This altar was located in the Temple in Jerusalem and was considered a sacred space. The act of burning incense was believed to link the physical and spiritual worlds, with the fragrant smoke serving as a reminder to unite our bodies and souls in the service of God.
The use of incense in Judaism holds symbolic and spiritual significance. Some believe it was used to purify the air and mask the odours of sacrificed animals. Others suggest it was meant to ward off evil spirits or atone for misdeeds. The fragrant smoke was also believed to induce a sense of holiness, purity, compassion, and hope in those who smelled it. The practice of burning incense in synagogues continued even after the destruction of the Temple, with Rabbinic Jews burning incense in commemoration of the temple rites.
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Incense offerings in Christianity
The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible, and it has been employed in worship by Christians since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. Incense is also increasingly used among some other Christian groups, such as Methodism.
The practice of burning incense in Christian worship is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism in the time of the Second Jewish Temple. The Book of Exodus describes God's instructions to Moses regarding the preparation and use of incense as a sacred offering:
> Take unto yourself sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight: And you shall make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together [salted], pure and holy: And you shall beat some of it very small, and put it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with you: it shall be unto you most holy.
Incense offerings were also mentioned in the Book of Numbers 7:14 as part of an offering for the dedication of the altar, and in Deuteronomy 33:10, which refers to "the smoke of sacrifice." The Book of Revelation further emphasizes the connection between incense and prayer, describing the elders offering "golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones."
In Christian worship, incense is used during the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, in particular at Solemn Vespers, at Solemn Evensong, at funerals, benediction, and exposition. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal describes the use of incense during the Offertory of the Mass:
> After the bread and wine are placed on the altar, 'the Priest may incense the gifts placed on the altar and then incense the cross and the altar itself, so as to signify the Church's offering and prayer rising like incense in the sight of God.'
The smoke of burning incense is interpreted by both the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
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Incense offerings in Hellenism
Incense offerings have a rich and diverse history in ancient Greek religion and culture, known as Hellenism. The practice of burning incense is deeply rooted in the religious and ceremonial aspects of ancient Greek society. At its core, the act of making incense offerings is a way of honouring the gods, purifying spaces, and creating a sacred connection between the mortal realm and the divine.
In Hellenism, incense was believed to carry prayers and offerings to the gods through the smoke that rose towards the heavens. The aromatic smoke was thought to be pleasing to the gods and thus played a crucial role in various rituals and ceremonies. Incense offerings were made to honour specific deities, seek their blessings, or request their aid. Each god or goddess was associated with certain types of incense, reflecting their unique personalities and domains of influence. For example, Apollo, the god of the sun, music, and prophecy, might be offered incense made with sunny, bright fragrances like frankincense or myrrh.
The preparation and presentation of incense also held significance. Incense burners or censers were often elaborately designed and decorated, reflecting the importance of the offering. The incense itself might be formed into specific shapes or symbols relevant to the deity being honoured. For instance, an offering to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, could involve incense molded into hearts or roses. Priests and priestesses played a vital role in overseeing the proper preparation and presentation of incense offerings, ensuring that the rituals were performed correctly and respectfully.
Incense offerings were commonly made at altars dedicated to the gods, whether in temples or personal household shrines. Altars were considered sacred spaces where the boundary between the mortal and divine realms was thin, facilitating communication and connection. Devotees would burn incense and often accompany it with prayers, hymns, or offerings of flowers, fruit, or other symbolic items. The act of burning incense was seen as a way to create a sacred atmosphere, purify the space, and invite the presence of the deity being honoured.
In addition to religious rituals, incense offerings were also used in various cultural and social contexts. For example, they played a role in weddings, where the sweet-smelling smoke might be used to bless the union of the couple and ensure a happy and fruitful marriage. Incense was also burned during funerals and memorial services, symbolizing the purification of the soul and serving as a comforting reminder of the connection between life and death. Social gatherings and feasts might also incorporate incense offerings to create a pleasant and auspicious atmosphere.
By offering incense, practitioners of Hellenism continue to honour the traditions of their ancestors while adapting the practices to suit modern contexts. Incense offerings remain a powerful way to connect with the divine, express devotion, and create sacred spaces, bridging the ancient world with contemporary spiritual practices.
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The altar of incense
Rings of gold were built into the altar so that it could be carried with acacia wood poles that were slipped through the rings. The altar of incense was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. On the other side of the veil was the Ark of the Testimony, where the presence of God was. Aaron was instructed to burn incense on the altar each morning and at twilight, every day, as a regular offering to the Lord.
Incense is still used in liturgical rites in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, a considerable part of the Anglican Church, and among some Lutheran churches.
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Incense offerings in rabbinic literature
Incense offerings, or the burning of incense, have been a significant part of Jewish oral traditions and classical writings. The practice is mentioned in the Torah and the Talmud, and has been interpreted by various rabbis and sages.
The Book of Exodus describes the recipe for the sacred incense as a blend of costly and aromatic substances, including "sweet spices, stacte, onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense". The recipe was to be kept secret and not replicated for personal use, with the biblical warning of being "cut off from his people" for those who disobeyed. The incense was burned on a golden altar within the outer chamber of the inviolable house, and the smoke was believed to symbolise ascending prayers to God.
The Talmud and rabbis expanded on the original four ingredients listed in the Hebrew Bible, adding seven additional components from the oral Torah, for a total of eleven spices. Rabbi Shimon ben Gamaliel, for example, described the stacte as the sap of the balsam tree. Nahmanides, in his commentary on Exodus 30:23, argued that the "mor" in the Holy Incense was myrrh rather than musk absolute due to its fragrant odour when heated.
The duty of burning incense was performed by the priests, who offered the incense twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. The practice was observed in the Temple in Jerusalem and during the journeys of the priests in the wilderness en route to the Land of Canaan. The altar of incense was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Testimony resided, symbolising God's presence.
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Frequently asked questions
An incense offering is a religious practice that involves burning incense as an offering to a deity. In some religions, such as Judaism and Christianity, incense offerings are seen as a form of prayer or as a way to ward off evil spirits and demons.
Incense is made by blending various sweet-smelling spices and resins, such as myrrh, cinnamon, frankincense, and onycha. The specific blend of spices used in religious incense offerings was often kept secret by the priests who prepared it.
To make an incense offering, you light the incense and dedicate it to a deity or deities of your choice. You can say a prayer or hymn, or simply state who the offering is for. You can also use a feather to fan the smoke towards representations of the deity, such as statues or symbols. Finally, place the lit incense in an incense holder or bowl to allow it to burn safely.
