Anisha Riggs
Incense burners have been an integral part of Catholic worship for centuries. The incense holder used in Catholic ceremonies is called a censer or thurible. They are typically made of metal and have chains attached to them so that they can be suspended during ceremonies and processions. Incense burners come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are used during Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, and other religious ceremonies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Censer, Thurible |
| Description | A vessel used to burn incense during religious ceremonies |
| Composition | Metal, glass, or other materials |
| Usage | Used during Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, and other religious ceremonies |
| Heat | Can get very hot, so caution is necessary when handling them |
| Purpose | To create a sense of reverence and awe |
| Symbolism | The smoke symbolizes the burning zeal of faith that Christians are instilled with |
| Types | Hand censer, freestanding censer, swinging censer |
| Accessories | Boats, incense spoons, coal tongs, censer holders |
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What You'll Learn
Incense burner types
Incense burners are used to burn incense and come in various styles, patterns, and shapes. They are made with different materials, including wood, ceramics, stone, and metal, and are designed to make the burning of incense more efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Incense is an aromatic material that releases a fragrance when burned, and it is used in aromatherapy and spiritual practices for its calming effects. Incense burners also add safety by containing the burning incense and its ashes in a fireproof vessel.
There are several types of incense burners available on the market, and the choice depends on the type of incense being used and the user's aesthetic preferences. Some common types of incense burners include:
- Incense fountains or waterfalls: These come in various shapes and sizes, with some having attached ash catchers that sit over a larger bowl to collect ashes. Most incense fountains are designed for use with incense cones.
- Metal or ceramic bowls: These are general-purpose incense burners that can hold ash, trails, charcoals, sticks, coils, or cone incense. Bowl-shaped burners should have three or more legs to keep the heat of the bowl off any surface.
- Long and narrow burners: These are designed for incense sticks and usually have a hole or slot for the stick, with the rest of the burner catching the ashes as the stick burns.
- Incense stoves: These are used to gently heat single woods, loose resin, or powdered incense mixtures. They are usually candle or electric-based and adjustable to prevent the incense from smoking.
- Cone incense burners: These burners are specifically designed to burn incense cones, which require special burners due to their shape and burning method.
In the Catholic Church, the incense burner is commonly called a thurible or censor. It is a vessel suspended by chains, used for burning incense during solemn Mass, Vespers, Benediction, processions, and other important services. The thurible is usually made of silver, brass, or gold-plated metal and consists of a cup or bowl with a hollow movable pan for holding ignited charcoal.
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Incense in Catholic worship
The vessel used for burning incense in Catholic worship is called a censer or a thurible. It is a vessel suspended by chains, with a cup or bowl that rests on a firm base. It is provided with a hollow movable pan for holding ignited charcoal, a lid or covering, and four chains about three feet in length.
The use of incense in Catholic worship is believed to have its origins in ancient times, with the first recorded use of incense in worship dating back to Egypt around 2400 BC. The use of incense in religious rituals was also prevalent in ancient China and has played a significant role in Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies.
In Catholic worship, incense is used to symbolise the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the saints rising to heaven. It is mentioned in the Bible, where the apostle John writes, "the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones" (Revelation 5:8). The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers of the faithful, is believed to ascend to God.
Incense is used at various points during Mass, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the cross and the altar, at the Gospel procession and proclamation, and after the bread and chalice have been placed on the altar. It is also used during funerals to purify the coffin and at other important offices of the Church.
The use of incense in Catholic worship is not mandatory and its usage has declined in recent years, with many Catholic priests choosing not to use it during Mass. However, it continues to be an important symbol of prayer and sanctification, adding a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass.
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Incense burner materials
Incense burners, also known as censers, have been used in religious ceremonies for millennia. In the Catholic Church, the incense burner is known as a thurible.
The earliest vessels identified as censers date to the mid-fifth to late fourth centuries BCE during the Warring States period. Early Chinese censer designs were often crafted as a round, single-footed stemmed basin, believed to have derived from earlier ritual bronzes. Some of the most celebrated early incense burner designs are the hill censers, which became popular during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han (141–87 BCE). These elaborate vessels were designed with apertures that made rising incense smoke appear like clouds or mist swirling around a mountain peak.
In Mesoamerica, ceramic incense burners were used domestically and ceremonially, particularly in the large Central-Mexican city of Teotihuacan (100–600 CE) and in the many kingdoms belonging to the Maya civilisation. The most common materials for construction were adobe, plumbate, and earthenware. These materials could be dried by the sun and were locally sourced, making them ideal for Mayan craftsmen.
Today, censers are commonly made from silver, brass, or gold-plated metals, though they can also be made from pottery or porcelain. The censer consists of a cup or bowl that rests on a firm base and is provided with a hollow movable pan for holding ignited charcoal, a lid or covering, and four chains about three feet in length. Three of the chains unite the bowl to a circular disc, while the fourth is used for raising the lid.
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Incense burner safety
A vessel used for burning incense in Catholic churches is called a censer or a thurible. Thuribles are usually silver, brass, or gold-plated and are suspended by chains.
Incense burners should always be used with the appropriate holder or burner. Here are some incense burner safety tips to keep in mind:
- Incense burners should always be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from flammable objects and out of the flow of traffic.
- Incense should not be burned near flammable surfaces such as wood or fabric, as it could result in a fire.
- When using a simple holder, use a ceramic dish or plate underneath to catch the ash produced.
- Incense sticks are highly flammable, so be careful not to touch the lit end, and avoid touching or brushing up against burning incense.
- Incense should not be left unattended and should be extinguished before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Keep incense away from children and pets.
- Be cautious when burning multiple incense sticks at once, as one stick can accidentally light another, resulting in a fire.
- Avoid burning incense near alcohol, hairspray, aerosols, or anything with a high alcohol or petroleum content, as this can create dangerous fumes and potentially cause a fire.
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Incense burner accessories
Incense burners, also known as censers or thuribles, are an important part of Catholic liturgical practices. They are used to burn incense, which symbolises the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven. The use of incense burners varies across different Catholic traditions, but they are commonly used during Mass, Vespers, Benediction, processions, and other solemn occasions.
Charcoal: Charcoal is a crucial component of incense burning. It is placed in the censer's movable pan and ignited to provide a heat source for burning the incense. Special charcoal types, such as those available in Catholic shops, are recommended as they burn faster than barbecue charcoal.
Incense: The type of incense used can vary depending on personal preference and tradition. Frankincense, sometimes mixed with myrrh, is a common choice among Roman Catholics. Other options include damask rose incense or rose-scented incense labelled "Rose Supreme". The amount of incense used should be carefully controlled to avoid creating excessive smoke.
Incense Boats and Spoons: The incense boat, also known as a navicula, is a small metal container that holds the incense reserves. It often includes a small spoon, the cochlearium, used to transfer the incense grains or resin onto the hot charcoals in the thurible.
Chains and Bells: The censer is often suspended by chains, typically three to four in number, which are used to carry and swing the censer during processions and liturgical rituals. Some censers may also feature bells attached to the chains, creating a sensory experience that is sometimes referred to as "smells and bells" in high church parishes.
Incense Holders and Plates: Various incense holders and plates are available to accommodate stick and cone incense. These accessories serve both functional and decorative purposes, adding a touch of elegance to meditation spaces or home decor.
These accessories are essential to the proper use and maintenance of incense burners, ensuring the safe and effective burning of incense during Catholic rituals and personal devotional practices.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic incense burner is called a thurible, censer, or incense burner.
A thurible is a vessel suspended by chains and used for burning incense. It is typically made of metal and has a chain or cord attached to it, allowing it to be swung back and forth, spreading the smoke and fragrance of the incense throughout the space.
The use of incense is an important part of Catholic worship and has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Incense is understood as symbolizing the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven.
Frankincense (sometimes mixed with myrrh) is commonly used in Roman Catholic mass.
A nugget of charcoal is placed in the bottom of the thurible and lit until it is red hot. Then, incense is sprinkled over the charcoal.
