Seamus Hammond
Incense is an aromatic substance obtained from certain resinous trees and is largely employed for religious worship. It is often thought that the smoke from the incense symbolizes the prayers of Catholic practitioners rising upwards, towards the heavens. The most common ingredient used is frankincense, although this may vary from church to church. Many churches use a blend of frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, styrax, opoponax, and other resinous and aromatic ingredients, along with essential oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Ingredients | Frankincense, Myrrh, Copal Resin, Benzoin |
| Blend | Frankincense and Myrrh, or with other resinous and aromatic ingredients |
| Purpose | Purifying, Symbolic, Protection against evil |
| Source | Resinous Trees |
| First Use | Unclear, but references in the New Testament suggest early familiarity |
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What You'll Learn
Frankincense
The use of frankincense in Catholic incense is steeped in tradition and symbolism. In the Biblical tale recounted in Matthew 2:1-12, the Magi presented the infant Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, highlighting the significance of these fragrances in Christian belief.
The act of burning incense during Catholic masses and rituals serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it is believed to elevate the senses and minds of the worshippers to God, creating a visual and olfactory representation of their prayers rising to the heavens. Additionally, the sweet fragrance of frankincense is believed to symbolise the birth of Jesus Christ and foreshadow his death.
The use of incense in Catholic worship has a long history, with references in the New Testament and early Christian writings suggesting early familiarity with its use in religious services. The Liturgies of Sts. James and Mark, dating back to at least the fifth century, refer to the use of incense at the Sacred Mysteries. Today, Catholic churches often use a blend of frankincense with other aromatic ingredients, creating a unique fragrance that enhances the spiritual experience of the congregation.
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Myrrh
The use of incense in the Catholic Church is steeped in ritual and reverence. The smoke of burning incense is interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. Incense is used at several points during a Roman Catholic Mass, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, and at the offertory.
The practice of burning incense in religious worship predates Christianity by thousands of years, with the first recorded use of incense by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilization in 3600 BC. The use of incense in Christian worship is inspired by passages in the Bible, which mentions incense 170 times.
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Benzoin
In Catholic ceremonies, benzoin is often blended with other aromatic ingredients and essential oils, such as frankincense, myrrh, styrax, and opoponax. The blend may vary depending on the recipe and the specific religious tradition.
The use of incense in Catholic and other Christian traditions is not just practical but also symbolic. It is believed to contribute to "the holiness of divine worship," elevating the minds and hearts of the faithful to God. Incense is also used in exorcism rituals and house blessings, symbolizing protection against evil.
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Copal
The use of copal incense in Catholic rites was initially opposed by Spanish colonisers but was eventually accepted and became widely recognised in ecclesiastical ceremonies by the late 1800s. Today, it is sometimes used in Catholic masses, where it contributes to "the holiness of divine worship." The sweet fragrance of copal incense, along with its aromatic smoke, is believed to symbolise prayers rising before the throne of God, as described in the Book of Revelation.
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Resinous trees
Incense is an aromatic substance that is largely used for religious worship. It is obtained from certain resinous trees. In ancient times, incense was provided by two trees: the Boswellia sacra of Arabia Felix and the Boswellia papyrifera of India, both of which are part of the Terebinthian family. The incense was procured from the bark, similar to how gum is obtained.
To enhance the fragrance and produce a thicker smoke, various foreign elements were added. These ingredients could number four or as many as thirteen, and specific families were tasked with blending them in the correct proportions.
The use of incense in religious services is not new. References to it are found in the Bible, such as in Exodus 30, where God commands Moses to build an altar of incense and burn the sweetest spices and gums. The use of incense is also mentioned in Luke 1:10 and Revelation 8:3-5, suggesting an early familiarity with it in Christian worship.
The Catholic Church commonly uses incense blends, often combining frankincense (gum olibanum) with myrrh, benzoin, and other resinous and aromatic ingredients like styrax and opoponax. These blends create a sweet fragrance and contribute to the holiness of divine worship.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic incense is made from a blend of natural ingredients, including fragrant resins and essential oils. The most common ingredient is frankincense, but myrrh, benzoin, copal resin, styrax, and opoponax are also used.
The scent of Catholic incense is often described as sweet, citrusy, and slightly piney, with a hint of smoke and bitterness. It creates an atmosphere of tranquility, serenity, and sacredness, enhancing the worship experience.
Incense is used in Catholic masses for both practical and symbolic reasons. The aromatic smoke is believed to purify the altar and the surrounding area, while also representing the prayers of the faithful rising towards God. It adds solemnity to the proceedings and is thought to bring spiritual significance to the worship experience.
