Heidi Norton
Incense is a substance that has been burned since ancient times for its fragrant scent. It is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible and has been employed in worship by Christians since antiquity. Incense is burned in Christian churches, including the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, and Old Catholic denominations, as well as in some Methodist, Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Anglican churches. The smoke from burning incense is interpreted by both Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible. It has been used in Christian worship since antiquity. |
| Religious use | Incense is used in Christian churches, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, Old Catholic, Methodist, Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Anglican churches. |
| Symbolism | The smoke of burning incense is interpreted by Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven. |
| Composition | Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. Specific ingredients can vary by region and manufacturer. |
| Forms | Incense comes in various forms, including sticks, powders, cones, and coils. |
| Burning method | Incense can be burned directly on a flame or placed on a separate heat source, such as burning charcoal contained in a censer or thurible. |
| Ritual | A thurifer, sometimes assisted by a "boat bearer," approaches the person conducting the service with the thurible containing burning charcoal. Blessed incense is then spooned onto the coals, and the thurible is swung to fan the charcoal and produce smoke. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense in Christian worship
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term refers to both the material and the aroma. Incense is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremonial reasons. It is also used as a deodorant or insect repellent. Incense is commonly made from plant matter or essential oils to give it a certain scent.
Incense has been used in Christian worship 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 being used among other Christian groups, such as Methodism. The practice is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism in the time of the Second Jewish Temple.
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. In the Bible, incense is described for use in the Temple, and the times of offering incense were specified in the instructions first given to Moses. Aaron, as high priest, was originally appointed to offer incense each morning and evening.
Incense is burned in Christian worship at 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. Incense may be used to cense the bread and wine offered for the Eucharist, the consecrated Eucharist itself, the Gospel during its proclamation (reading), the crucifix, the icons (in Eastern churches), the clergy, the congregation, the Paschal candle, or the body of a deceased person during a funeral.
In the Eastern Orthodox Christian monastic tradition on Mount Athos, incense is made by powdering frankincense or fir resin, mixing it with essential oils, and then rolling it out into a slab. Floral fragrances are the most common, but citrus scents, such as lemon, are not uncommon. The slab is then cut into small cubes, coated with clay powder to prevent adhesion, and allowed to fully harden and dry. In Greece, this rolled incense resin is called 'Moskolibano', and generally comes in either a pink or green colour denoting the fragrance, with pink being rose and green being jasmine.
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Incense in the Bible
Incense is used in Christian churches, including the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, and Old Catholic denominations. It is also used in some Methodist, Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Anglican churches. The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible, and its use in prayer and worship carries Christian symbolism.
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term is used for either the material or the aroma. Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. The Bible mentions that the prayers of God's people are like incense to God, and they are a pleasing aroma to Him. In Psalm 141:2, David writes, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!".
The Bible also provides instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. In Exodus 30, God commanded Moses and Aaron to burn incense perpetually before Him as a holy act of worship. When the Tabernacle was replaced by the Temple, incense was offered there (1/3 Kings 9:25). Incense was also offered in the Temple during the time of Christ.
Incense is used in Christian worship during the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, and benediction, among other occasions. The smoke of burning incense is interpreted by Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. In the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition, incense is made by powdering frankincense or fir resin and mixing it with essential oils. The incense mixture is then rolled into slabs, cut into cubes, and allowed to dry.
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Incense in the Eastern Orthodox Church
Incense is an important part of the Eastern Orthodox Church service, engaging the senses and enhancing the spiritual experience. The use of incense in this context is deeply symbolic and holds significant religious meaning.
The practice of burning incense in Orthodox Christianity is believed to symbolise prayer. The rising smoke represents prayers ascending to God, as referenced in the Old Testament, Psalm 141:2, "Let my prayer come before thee as incense, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice". This symbolism is further reinforced in Revelation 8:3-4, where an angel stands at the altar with a golden censer, mingling incense with the prayers of the saints before God.
During services, the priest uses a "censor" or "thurible", a metal vessel with a sliding cover, to burn incense. The censor contains burning charcoal, upon which grains of incense, a mix of spices and gums, are placed. The act of censing, or swinging the censor, is done at specific points in the liturgy, such as censing the Holy Altar and icons. The censer often has bells attached, creating a jingling sound that, along with the fragrance, enhances the sensory experience.
The use of incense in the Eastern Orthodox Church also serves as a mark of reverence and purification. It sanctifies the environment, creating a sacred atmosphere that sets the space apart from the mundane world. The aromatic fumes are believed to purify the faithful and cleanse the space of any impurities.
Additionally, incense is used to honour and bless various objects and individuals. Icons, bishops, priests, and the congregation are censed to demonstrate devotion and acknowledge the presence of the Holy. The faithful may also burn incense at home during morning and evening prayers, blessing the icons and household members.
The practice of burning incense in the Eastern Orthodox Church is thus a symbolic and sensory aspect of their worship, enhancing the spiritual experience and drawing the faithful into a deeper connection with the divine.
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Incense in the Roman Catholic Church
Incense has been used in Christian liturgy from its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. The Bible mentions incense 170 times, and its use was commanded by God in the Old Testament (e.g. Exodus 30:7, 30:34-38, 40:27).
The use of incense in Christian worship made a comeback in the fifth century once Christianity was firmly established. Its use increased in the East and the West, and its connection with the Book of Revelation became more apparent. In the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which originate in the fifth century, the use of incense is mentioned. A Roman Ritual of the seventh century also mentions its use in the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday.
Incense is used in the Roman Catholic Church during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory to incense the offerings, altar, priest and people, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration. The priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle. Incense is also used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images.
The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification. It also symbolizes the prayers of the faithful, drifting up to heaven. The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly worship as follows: "Another angel came in holding a censer of gold. He took his place at the altar of incense and was given large amounts of incense to deposit on the altar of gold in front of the throne, together with the prayers of all God's holy ones."
The use of incense is optional for most Masses, and many Catholic priests choose not to use it. However, it adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass.
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Incense in other Christian denominations
Incense is used in various Christian denominations, although its use is not as prevalent as in some other religions. The Bible makes references to incense, and it has been used by God's people since the sacrificial system established for the nation of Israel. In the Bible, incense is compared to prayers rising up to heaven, a sweet aroma that is a delight to God.
Despite its biblical roots, some Christians struggle with the use of incense due to its association with paganism and idolatrous practices. This is particularly true for Christians who were converted from paganism. The Puritans, for instance, rejected the use of incense as they sought to purify the church of Roman theology and worship. Calvinists also took the position that the use of incense was a part of the Old Testament ceremonial law and should not be continued.
However, not all Protestant churches reject incense. Some Lutheran churches, as well as Anglican churches of Anglo-Catholic churchmanship, do use incense in their services. The Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholics, and Traditional Catholics also use incense regularly.
For most Christians, the use of incense is a matter of conviction rather than compulsion. While some view it as a symbolic offering or aid in prayer, others may see it as a practice linked to paganism or the New Age movement. Ultimately, Christians are called to serve one another in love, and the use of incense should not become a divisive issue among believers.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is used in Christian worship and prayer. It is mentioned in the Bible and has been used since antiquity.
The smoke from burning incense is interpreted by Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven.
Incense is made from aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. In Christianity, incense often includes frankincense, benzoin, myrrh, styrax, copal, or other aromatics.
Incense is burned in a thurible, censer, or incense burner. It is placed on burning charcoal and then swung by its chains to fan the charcoal and produce smoke.
