Heidi Norton
Incense is a material that is burned to create fragrant smoke, often used in religious worship. Holy incense is made from a blend of fragrant gums and spices, including gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense, with salt to temper the mixture. The recipe for holy incense is detailed in the Bible, with God revealing the formula to Moses, and it is to be burned only for holy purposes. The ingredients are carefully weighed and ground, and the incense is burned during worship services, with the rising smoke symbolising prayers ascending to heaven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ingredients | 4 |
| Ingredients | Gum resin, onycha, galbanum, pure frankincense |
| Source of onycha | Opercula from sea snails |
| Use | Purifying the holy temple, ritualised cleansing during spiritual ceremonies |
| Use in the West | Only during solemn sung services |
| Use in the Church of England | Technically illegal but used by Anglo-Catholic clergy in the service of Holy Communion |
| Burning | Strictly regulated in liturgical worship |
| Burning | Only to be performed by the Aaronic priesthood |
| Recipe | Given by God to Moses in Exodus 30:34 |
| Recipe | Sweet spices, stacte, onycha, sweet galbanum, and pure frankincense in equal proportions |
| Recipe | Finely ground |
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What You'll Learn
The four ingredients of holy incense
Incense is an aromatic substance made of gums and spices burnt during religious worship. The four key ingredients of holy incense are mentioned in Exodus 30:34, where Moses is tasked with making the holy incense. The ingredients are as follows:
Onycha
Onycha is one of the four major ingredients that make up holy incense. The word is a Greek translation of the original Hebrew word "shecheleth", which means "tear, distillation, or exudation". The origin of onycha was debated for a long time, with controversy over whether it came from a plant or animal source. Modern science has provided evidence that it likely originated from opercula, or the "fingernails", of sea snails.
Galbanum
Galbanum is another key ingredient in holy incense. It is a fragrant gum resin that contributes to the sweet fragrance of the incense blend. According to Jewish tradition, galbanum is not essential to the mixture, as the other ingredients can still produce a pleasant fragrance without it.
Frankincense
Frankincense is a well-known resin that is often associated with religious and spiritual practices. It is one of the key ingredients in holy incense, mentioned in both the Old Testament and the Bible, and is known for its pure and fragrant properties.
Gum Resin
Gum resin, also known as fragrant spices or sweet spices, is the fourth ingredient in holy incense. It is mentioned in Exodus 30:34-35, where it is described as being compounded with the other ingredients in equal proportions.
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The mystery ingredient
Onycha was a key ingredient in the sacred incense burned during ancient worship services. The Bible describes onycha as a "sweet spice", but its exact source remained a closely guarded secret, known only to priests. This secrecy ensured that only authorised individuals could create the sacred incense for holy purposes, and not for personal use. The recipe for this incense was first revealed to Moses by God, who then instructed him to pass on this knowledge to the priests.
Modern science has provided new insights into the mystery of onycha's origin. Recent evidence suggests that onycha may have come from opercula, the protective outer covering of sea snails. Specifically, the opercula of the purple dye-producing sea snail Dicathais orbita is thought to be the most likely source. The opercula, similar to human fingernails, must be torn from the snail's flesh, and when burned, they produce a medicinal fragrance consistent with the reported use of onycha in holy incense.
The use of sea snail opercula as the mystery ingredient in holy incense holds significant implications. It indicates that the spiritual leaders of the time were open to incorporating animal-based products into their sacred practices. The processing of opercula, including crushing, soaking in acetic acid, and grinding into a powder, would have been a complex and specialised task, adding to the exclusivity of creating holy incense.
While the identification of onycha as sea snail opercula provides a compelling answer to the mystery, some uncertainties remain. Without original samples of biblical onycha for comparative analysis, a conclusive identification is challenging. However, by combining historical knowledge, chemical insights, and an understanding of the scent qualities of smoke, strong support for this theory has emerged. The discovery sheds light on the ancient practices and rituals surrounding the creation and use of holy incense.
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The use of incense
The burning of incense is not just a biblical practice, but it has also been used by other ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Arabians, and Canaanites. The Canaanites, in particular, have left behind various incense stands, altars, censers, and spoons in city levels dated to the second millennium BC. Egyptian representations of sieges of Canaanite cities sometimes depict a man holding a stand of incense, likely reinforcing the prayers offered by those with upraised arms.
Incense plays a significant role in liturgical worship, with specific regulations and rituals surrounding its use. In the Bible, God commands that the burning of holy incense is strictly the prerogative of the Aaronic priesthood (Num 17:5; 2 Chr 26:18). This exclusivity is emphasized by the story of two of Aaron's priestly sons, who were consumed by holy fire when they attempted to burn incense during the morning liturgical service without authorization (Lev 10:1-2). The punishment for unauthorized burning of incense extends beyond individuals, as seen in the case of 250 rebellious Levites and community leaders of Israel who were also consumed by holy fire for usurping the priestly prerogative (Num 16:1-11, 16-19, 35).
The recipe for holy incense is considered sacred and was not to be made for personal use. In Exodus 30:34, Moses is instructed by God to create a blend of fragrant spices, including gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts. This recipe is reflected in the Talmud's description of the holy incense used in the second temple. However, the written record of the recipe in Exodus is believed to be incomplete, as God kept some ingredients secret, revealing them only to the priests. This exclusivity ensured that only authorized individuals could produce the sacred incense used in divine liturgy.
Today, the use of incense varies across different regions and denominations. While it is only used in solemn sung services in the West, it is employed more frequently in the East. Within the Church of England, the use of incense is technically illegal, but it is still utilized by Anglo-Catholic clergy during the Holy Communion service.
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Incense in the Bible
Incense is an aromatic substance made of gums and spices that is burned, especially in religious worship. The Bible makes several references to incense, detailing its ingredients, its uses, and the rituals associated with it.
The Book of Exodus in the Old Testament describes the recipe for holy incense, which God revealed to Moses during their forty-day meeting on the holy mountain. The recipe included "sweet spices", specifically stacte or storax, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, with each ingredient in equal parts. Salt was also added to the blend for its anti-bacterial properties and to symbolise the purity of the other ingredients. The Bible emphasises that this incense blend was to be used solely for holy purposes and not for personal use.
The burning of incense was a significant part of the worship rituals in the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them during their exodus from Egypt. The high priest burned incense twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, on an altar in the Tabernacle. The rising smoke symbolised the Israelites' prayers ascending to God, and its fragrant aroma represented His acceptance of their devotion.
On the Day of Atonement, a special ceremony involving incense took place. The high priest entered the Holy of Holies, the innermost room of the Tabernacle, with burning incense in a censer, creating a protective cloud of smoke. This ritual purified the sanctuary and the people from sin.
Incense is also referenced in the New Testament, where it is used typologically. For example, in Hebrews 9:3-4, there is a Christological reference to the coals from the altar of incense taken behind the veil on the Day of Atonement. Additionally, the prayers of believers are compared to incense in Revelation 5:8.
Incense continues to be used in liturgical rites in various Christian denominations, such as the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and some Anglican and Lutheran churches.
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Incense in other religions
Incense has a long and sacred history in many religions and spiritual practices beyond Christianity and Catholicism, often playing a central role in rituals, ceremonies, and offerings. In Buddhism, incense is integral to practice and symbolism. It is believed to purify the mind, body, and surroundings, driving away negative energies and creating a pure atmosphere for meditation and prayer. Buddhist incense often contains a blend of aromatic herbs, woods, and resins, such as agarwood, sandalwood, and juniper, which are thought to promote spiritual awareness and enlightenment. The act of burning incense in Buddhism also symbolizes the burning away of desires and attachments, reminding practitioners of the impermanence of all things.
In Hinduism, incense is used in temples and homes as a form of devotional offering to the gods and goddesses. It is believed to create a sacred and pure atmosphere, connecting devotees with the divine. Hindu incense often includes fragrant ingredients such as jasmine, rose, and sweet-scented woods, which are offered to specific deities during puja rituals. Incense is also used in Hindu ceremonies and festivals, such as weddings and Diwali, to bring prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual blessings.
Incense plays a significant role in traditional Chinese religious practices, including Taoism and Confucianism. Incense offerings are made to honor ancestors, deities, and the spirits of nature, with the smoke carrying prayers and wishes to the heavens. Chinese incense often features aromatic plants and herbs native to the region, such as cinnamon, ginger, and chrysanthemum, which are believed to have medicinal and spiritual properties. The practice of burning incense is also associated with feng shui, where it is used to cleanse and purify spaces, bringing harmony and positive energy.
In Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, incense is used in rituals and offerings to the kami, or divine spirits. Incense purification rituals, known as "O-Harae," are performed to cleanse and purify individuals, objects, and spaces of negative energy and impurities. Japanese incense, or "Koh," is often made from a blend of aromatic woods, such as aloeswood and sandalwood, and is carefully crafted to burn slowly and gently. Incense is also used in Japanese tea ceremonies, creating a calming and refined atmosphere for guests.
In many Indigenous cultures around the world, incense and smudging ceremonies play a vital role in spiritual and healing practices. Smudging involves burning sacred plants, such as sage, cedar, and sweetgrass, to purify and bless people, places, and objects. The smoke is believed to cleanse and purify, driving away negative energies and restoring balance and harmony. Smudging ceremonies are often conducted by spiritual leaders or healers and are used to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Holy incense is made from fragrant gums and spices, including gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, in equal proportions, and is tempered with salt. The ingredients are detailed in Exodus 30:34, where Moses is tasked with making the incense.
Onycha is one of the four major ingredients in holy incense. The origin of onycha was debated for a long time, but scientists believe they have now confirmed that it comes from opercula collected from sea snails.
Holy incense is used in religious worship. It is believed that the rising smoke of the sweet-smelling incense carries prayers up to heaven.
