Heidi Norton
The hour of incense refers to the use of incense as a timekeeping device, or incense clock, which was common in China and produced in fewer numbers in Japan. The concept of using fire and smoke for time measurement dates back to at least the sixth century CE. Incense clocks typically consist of a maze of incense, with a tiny ember slowly burning through it, or a spiral of incense paste with a small weight that drops onto a platter or gong below when the set time has passed. The length of the trail of incense determines how long the clock will last, with some clocks lasting up to a month.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning time | Between 4 and 40 minutes, depending on the type, length, and width of the incense |
| Usage | Paying respect to deities or ancestors, timing contests, and creating moods and aesthetics |
| History | Used in ancient China, where they burned long and thick joss sticks; also used in ancient Chinese cities to mark time with calibrated incense |
| Clock design | Incense clocks with stencils, seals, or powdered incense trails; some with weights to signify time elapsed, and others with scented chips to identify time by smell |
| Clock duration | Incense clocks lasted between 12 hours and a month |
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What You'll Learn
Incense sticks burn time
The burn time of incense sticks depends on a variety of factors, including their length, thickness, saturation, and type of stick and materials used. For example, pressed herbal materials like nag champa burn much faster than charcoal.
In general, incense sticks can burn for anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, with some sources claiming that they can last up to an hour. However, this is not always the case, as some factors can affect their burn time. For instance, fans, AC, and humidity can all impact how long an incense stick burns.
The length and thickness of the incense stick play a significant role in determining its burn time. Thicker and longer incense sticks tend to burn for a longer duration. For example, Japanese incense sticks are typically shorter, measuring 10-15cm/4-5.5", but they are also thicker, resulting in a burn time of around 20-30 minutes. On the other hand, full-length incense sticks that are 21cm/8.25" long and 1.5-2mm/~1/16" thick can burn for approximately 40 minutes.
In ancient China, long and thick joss sticks were commonly used, resulting in longer burn times. These traditional incense sticks could take 40 minutes or more to burn completely. Similarly, Laotian incense sticks that were approximately 12 inches long could last around 45 minutes.
It is worth noting that the type of incense and the specific combination of oils, base products, and shape can also influence burn time. Thai incense sticks, for instance, tend to last around 30 minutes, while some incense sticks designed for formal situations or timing contests can burn for about four to five minutes.
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Incense clocks in ancient China
Incense clocks, also known as "fragrance clocks" (xiāngzhōng in Chinese), were timekeeping devices that originated in China during the Song dynasty (960–1279). They were also used during the Qing Dynasty, before mechanical clocks were widely available. Incense clocks were commonly used in homes and temples, alongside other time-telling devices such as water clocks and astronomical clocks.
These clocks consisted of multiple trays, with the bottom tray containing tools like a tiny shovel and a damper, which was used to smooth the ashes in the middle layer. The next tray contained ashes, and the top tray held different stencils for the clock. Each stencil was designed to burn for a specific amount of time, depending on the season. The ornate lid of the incense clock helped control oxygen exposure and vent smoke, ensuring the incense burned at a consistent rate.
The incense used in these clocks was typically in the form of sticks or powdered incense, with the rate of burn determined by the available oxygen and ventilation. The incense was placed in grooves etched into a wooden or stone disk, and small pieces of fragrant woods, resins, or differently scented incense could be added to signal the passage of time.
Incense clocks were not just used for timekeeping but also for religious, ceremonial, and spiritual purposes. They were popular at social gatherings and were used by Chinese scholars and intellectuals. The use of incense for time measurement is also seen in ancient Chinese writings, with expressions such as "i chu hsiang ti shih hou" translating to "the time of burning an incense stick."
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Incense in modern times
Incense has come a long way from its ancient roots and continues to play a significant role in various cultures and societies around the world. While the practice of using incense may have evolved, it remains a powerful tool for creating ambiance, enhancing rituals, and providing a range of sensory experiences.
In modern times, incense is widely accessible and can be found in a variety of settings. It is commonly used in religious and spiritual practices, with many faiths incorporating it into their rituals and ceremonies. For example, Catholic churches often use incense during mass, while Buddhist temples burn incense as a way to honor the Buddha and create a sacred space. Incense is also burned during meditation and yoga practices to enhance focus and create a calming atmosphere.
Beyond religious and spiritual uses, incense is also enjoyed by many as a way to create a relaxing and soothing environment. It is often used in aromatherapy and can be found in spas, massage studios, and even in homes as a way to unwind and de-stress. The practice of burning incense is often associated with self-care and creating a sense of tranquility and peace.
The variety of incense available today is vast, with different types of incense sticks, cones, coils, and powders on the market. Scents range from traditional fragrances like sandalwood and jasmine to more modern interpretations, such as ocean breeze or fresh linen. Incense is also used as a form of insect repellent, with certain scents known to ward off mosquitoes and other pests.
In some parts of the world, incense is still used as a form of traditional medicine. It is believed that the smoke and fragrance can have healing properties, and incense is sometimes burned to purify the air and promote respiratory health. Incense is also used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, where specific fragrances are believed to have therapeutic effects on the body and mind.
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Incense in literature
Incense has been referenced in literature for centuries, often in a religious context. The oldest textual source on incense is the Vedas, specifically the Atharvaveda and the Rigveda. The use of incense in medicine is considered the first phase of Ayurveda, which uses incense as an approach to healing. As Hinduism matured and Buddhism was founded in India, incense became an integral part of Buddhism, too. Incense was introduced to China around 200 CE by a group of wandering Buddhist monks, and its usage peaked during the Song dynasty, with numerous buildings erected specifically for incense ceremonies.
In ancient China, incense was used as a means to pay respect to deities or ancestors. The length of time taken for an incense stick to burn varied depending on its length and width, but traditional incense sticks could burn for around 40 minutes to an hour. In formal situations, an incense stick would be burned to time contests.
Incense spread from Babylonia to Greece and Rome, and incense burners have been found in the Indus Civilization. The Babylonians used incense while offering prayers to divine oracles. Incense was also used by the ancient Egyptians, who employed incense in both pragmatic and mystical capacities. Resin balls were found in many prehistoric Egyptian tombs in El Mahasna, and one of the oldest extant incense burners originates from the 5th dynasty. The Temple of Deir-el-Bahari in Egypt contains a series of carvings that depict an expedition for incense.
Incense was also used in ancient Hebrew culture. During the late Bronze Age, priests would burn incense in the Tent of Convocation throughout their journeys in the wilderness en route to the Land of Canaan. This practice continued throughout the early years of Israel's settlement in the land. The priests offered this incense offering twice a day: once in the morning and once towards the evening. The correct blend of sweet spices and aromatic condiments used in making the incense offering was a carefully guarded secret, fully known only by the compounders of the incense offering.
Incense was also used by indigenous peoples of North America, who would burn locally available ingredients such as sage and cedar.
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Incense in religion
The use of incense in religious contexts has a long history, with the first recorded use being by the Egyptians. Incense was also used in ancient China, and from there it spread to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Today, incense is used in Hinduism, Buddhism, ancient Judaism, and some branches of Christianity.
In Hinduism, incense is offered to God in the form of deities such as Krishna and Rama. This practice is mentioned in the Bhagavad-Gita, where Krishna says, "I accept the offering made to me with love". Incense is a common feature of Hindu worship in India, where it is used in almost all pujas, prayers, and other forms of worship.
Incense holds an important role in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and rites, as well as in Chinese Taoist and Japanese Shinto practices. In Buddhist temples, worshippers light and burn bundles of incense sticks, which they wave or raise above their heads while bowing to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors. The incense sticks are then placed vertically or horizontally into individual censers located in front of the statues or plaques. The formula and scent of the incense sticks used in various temples throughout Asia vary widely.
In ancient Judaism, the use of incense is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. In Exodus 30:7-8, priests are commanded to burn incense morning and evening before the Altar of Incense, first in the Tabernacle in the desert and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. This offering was known as the Ketoret. The specific blend of aromatic substances to be used was also spelled out: "The Lord told Moses: Take these aromatic substances: storax and onycha and galbanum, these and pure frankincense in equal parts; and blend them into incense. This fragrant powder, expertly prepared, is to be salted and so kept pure and sacred." Private use of incense was forbidden, presumably because it was meant only for the worship of God.
In Christianity, the use of incense can be traced back to the Roman-era churches, possibly influenced by the practice of burning incense before Roman emperors who claimed divine status. Today, it continues to be used in some Christian ceremonies, such as the special Mass in recognition of all immigrants at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels church in Los Angeles.
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Frequently asked questions
An incense clock is a type of timepiece that uses fire and smoke to measure time. The incense is burned along a pre-measured path, with each stencil representing a different amount of time.
To set an incense clock, one must first smoothen the ashes and create a groove using a stencil. The groove is then filled with incense powder and capped with a lid to control the flow of oxygen. Small markers are placed at regular points along the path to track smaller intervals of time.
The time it takes for an incense stick to burn depends on its length, width, and type. Traditional incense sticks can burn for about 40 minutes to an hour. However, some incense sticks can burn for less than 5 minutes.
Incense clocks are no longer formally used for timekeeping. However, they are still used by scholars and monks in the East for evoking moods and aesthetics.
Incense clocks were commonly used in China and were also produced in smaller numbers in Japan.
