Antonio Mcgowan
Incense is burned in Catholic churches to create an atmosphere of tranquillity, serenity, and sacredness, enhancing the worship experience and promoting a sense of connection with the divine. The practice of burning incense in religious ceremonies predates Christianity by thousands of years, with the earliest documented history of its use in Catholic liturgy dating back to the 5th century. The incense used in Catholic churches is typically a blend of frankincense (gum olibanum) with the addition of myrrh, benzoin, and other aromatic ingredients. The visual imagery and fragrance of the smoke reinforce the transcendence of the Mass, creating a powerful sensory experience that separates the sacred from the mundane.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | To fill the church with a sweet fragrance, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity, serenity, and sacredness. |
| Visual imagery | The smoke rising from the altar reinforces the transcendence of the Mass, linking Heaven and Earth. |
| History | The use of incense in religious worship predates Christianity by thousands of years. The practice was instituted by God himself, as mentioned in the Bible. |
| Ingredients | Frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, styrax, opoponax, essential oils, and other aromatic ingredients. |
| Usage | Entrance procession, Gospel reading, offertory, elevation of the Eucharist, benedictions, funerals, and other special services. |
| Purpose | To symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, sanctifying the ceremony, and protecting against evil. |
| Availability | Catholic supply stores, online religious supply stores, and local churches. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense blends and ingredients
The use of incense in religious worship predates Christianity by thousands of years, with its roots in ancient China and the East. The practice was later adopted by Jews in temple worship and is mentioned in the Bible 170 times. This early use of incense undoubtedly influenced the Catholic Church's incorporation of incense in its rituals.
The specific blend of incense used varies depending on the region, country, and type of church. Most Catholic churches use a blend of frankincense (also known as gum olibanum) with added myrrh, benzoin, and other aromatic resins like styrax and opoponax. Essential oils may also be added to the blend depending on the recipe.
Frankincense, in particular, has biblical origins. It was one of the gifts the Magi brought to the baby Jesus, and it is also mentioned in the Book of Malachi in the Old Testament.
In addition to its use during Mass and other liturgical celebrations, incense is burned atop new altars during the consecration process before their first use. It is also used during exorcisms, blessings of homes, and funeral rites, where it symbolises honour for the deceased.
The visual imagery and aroma of the incense smoke create a unique atmosphere, enhancing the worship experience and promoting a sense of connection to the divine. The sweet fragrance of burning incense contributes to the holiness of divine worship, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity, serenity, and sacredness.
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Incense holders
There are various types of incense holders, each serving a specific purpose in the liturgical celebrations of the Catholic Church. Here are some common types:
- Thurible: A thurible is a metal container suspended on chains, usually made of silver, brass, or gold-plated metal. It is used to hold and burn the incense, producing fragrant smoke. The thurible is often carried by a senior altar server, known as a thurifer, who leads the entrance procession into the church.
- Censer: A censer is another name for the incense holder used in Catholic churches. It is typically a metal container that may be handheld or suspended on chains. Censors are used during Morning and Evening Prayers and to bless holy icons and members of the household.
- Incense Boat: The incense boat, or "navicula" in Latin, is a small metal container held by the boat bearer, an assistant altar server. It holds the supplies of incense and has a small spoon, the "cochlearium," used to transfer the incense onto the red-hot charcoals in the thurible.
The use of incense and its holders is an ancient tradition in the Catholic Church, dating back to the 5th century in the Eastern branch of the Church and the 7th century in the Western Church. Each church or monastery may have its own unique blend of incense, adding a personal touch to their spiritual atmosphere.
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Incense in the Bible
The use of incense in religious worship predates Christianity by thousands of years, with the practice noted in the Talmud and the Bible, which mentions incense 170 times. The burning of incense is a divine command, with God giving Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense (Exodus 30). Incense was to be burned perpetually before the Lord as a holy act of worship.
Incense is offered to God in worship throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, the high priest offered the sacred incense, but the Gospel of Luke reveals a shift, showing that ordinary priests were also permitted to perform the offering. For example, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was chosen by lot to place incense on the altar in the temple while the people prayed outside (Luke 1:9–10). As the incense smoke rose, an angel announced that Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth would have a son (Luke 1:11–16).
Incense is also described in the last book of the Bible, Saint John's Revelation, where incense is used in heavenly worship (Revelation 5:8). Incense is said to represent and carry the prayers of the saints, both martyrs in heaven and those living on earth, up to God (Revelation 8:3-4).
The sweet fragrance of incense is said to help worshippers physically and spiritually lift their hearts to God. 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 use of incense in the Catholic Church is influenced by its use in Jewish temple worship, as described in the Bible. The rituals of the Divine Liturgies of Saint James and Saint Mark, dating from the 5th century, include the use of incense. In the 7th century Ordo Romanus VIII of Saint Amand, incense is mentioned during the procession of a bishop to the altar on Good Friday.
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Incense symbolism
Incense has been used in religious worship for thousands of years, including in ancient China, Jewish temple worship, and in the Catholic Church. The practice is mentioned in the Bible 170 times.
The smoke from burning incense is said to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The Book of Revelation describes an angel bringing incense and the prayers of God's people to an altar in heaven. Incense is also thought to symbolise purification and sanctification, with the smoke itself symbolically purifying all that it touches.
In the Catholic Church, incense is used during processions, at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar, during the Gospel reading, at the offertory, and during the elevation of the Eucharist. It is also used during benedictions, funerals, and other special services. The use of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, and the visual imagery of the smoke and smell reinforce the transcendence of the Mass, linking Heaven with Earth.
The fragrance of incense is also said to symbolise Christ, and the incense itself is considered a prayer in action.
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Incense in other religions
The use of incense in religious ceremonies has a long history, with the practice having originated in antiquity. The burning of incense may be intended as a symbolic or sacrificial offering to various deities or spirits, or to serve as an aid in prayer.
Hinduism
Hinduism was probably the first religion in which incense was used as a sacrificial offering to show loyalty to God. Incense is offered to God in His deity forms, such as Krishna and Rama. This practice is still common in modern-day India and is mentioned in the Bhagavad-Gita.
Buddhism
Incense holds an invaluable role in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and rites. In Buddhist temples, worshippers light and burn sticks of incense in small or large bundles, which they wave or raise above their heads while bowing to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors. Incense is also burned at festivals, initiations, and daily rites.
Taoism
In Chinese Taoist temples, the inner spaces are scented with thick coiled incense, hung from the ceiling or placed on special stands. Incense smoke wafts from huge burners in Lhasa, Tibet.
Shinto
In Japanese Shinto shrines to Inari Okami or the Seven Lucky Gods, sticks of incense are placed horizontally into censers on top of the ash.
Judaism
Incense was included in the Jewish thanksgiving offerings of oil, grain, fruits, and wine. The Book of Exodus describes the Lord instructing Moses to build a golden altar for burning incense. However, incense no longer has a role in the Jewish liturgy.
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Frequently asked questions
The incense burned in Catholic churches is typically a blend of frankincense (gum olibanum) with myrrh, benzoin, and other resinous and aromatic ingredients like styrax and opoponax, as well as essential oils.
The use of incense in Catholic churches adds an extra layer of solemnity to proceedings and is said to create an atmosphere of tranquillity, serenity, and sacredness. It is also used to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven and to sanctify the ceremony.
Incense is burned at various times in Catholic churches, including during the entrance procession, at the Gospel reading, at the offertory, and during the elevation of the Eucharist. It is also commonly used during benedictions, funerals, and other special services.
Many Catholic supply stores stock the types of incense used in Catholic churches, and they can also be found online on websites specialising in religious supplies.
