Heidi Norton
Incense has been used in religious rituals since ancient times, with the first recorded use by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. It is believed that burning incense symbolises the act of purification and sanctification, representing prayers rising to heaven. In Christian worship, incense is used during the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, and benediction, among other services. The types of incense used in churches vary, but frankincense and myrrh are the most common, with additional ingredients like onycha, styrax, and aromatic herbs. Incense is burned using charcoal in a censer or incense burner, creating an aromatic smoke that fills the church with a sweet, spicy, and woody fragrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Purification and sanctification |
| Symbolism | Prayers rising to heaven |
| Form | Pebbly grains or powder |
| Burning method | Burned in a thurible, a type of censer |
| Usage | During processions, at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar, at the proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, to incense the offerings, altar, priest and people, during funeral Masses, etc. |
| Common ingredients | Frankincense, myrrh, onycha, styrax, aromatic herbs, resins, essential oils |
| Scent | Woody, earthy, sweet, smoky, spicy, citrusy |
| Custom | Burning incense at home to commemorate special Feast Days or mark times of prayer |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is burned during processions and at the beginning of Mass
Incense is also burned during 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. The usage of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, and the visual imagery of the smoke and the smell remind us of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth.
The smoke from the incense is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven, and it is also used to bless and sanctify. The incense connects the Mass to God's altar in heaven and allows the use of all senses in prayer. The practice of burning incense during processions and at the beginning of Mass is also mentioned in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which date back to the 5th century.
Incense is typically burned in a thurible, a type of censer, and is usually in the form of pebbly grains or powder. The burning of incense is thus a significant part of Catholic rituals, adding symbolism and solemnity to the Mass and connecting the faithful to God and heaven through the sense of smell.
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It symbolises the sanctification of the ceremony
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. The practice originated in India as part of the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC and was subsequently adopted by the Egyptians, Chinese, and many other cultures. Today, it is used in Christian worship, as well as in East Asian Buddhist, Taoist, and Shinto ceremonies.
In Christian worship, incense is burned during the entrance procession at the beginning of Mass, at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration. It is also used during funeral Masses, where the priest incenses the coffin as a sign of honour to the deceased and as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to God.
The use of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The smoke and aroma remind us of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth and allowing us to enter the presence of God. The visual imagery and scent of burning incense create an atmosphere of sanctity and enhance the worship experience, promoting a sense of connection with the divine.
The act of burning incense symbolises the sanctification of the ceremony. It is used to bless and sanctify the altar, preparing it for sacrifice and honouring it as the holiest location inside any Catholic Church. The smoke is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, invoking God's mercy and blessings. This symbolism is reflected in Psalm 141, which compares prayer to incense rising to God.
In addition to its use in Mass, Christians also burn incense in their homes, especially during special Feast Days or times of prayer. This practice allows individuals to create a sacred atmosphere and connect with their faith outside of formal church services.
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Incense is used to bless objects and people
Incense is used in Christian worship, 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 used to bless objects and people during various religious ceremonies.
The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible. Its use in prayer and worship carries with it a Christian symbolism. Incense has been employed in worship by Christians since antiquity. The smoke of burning incense is interpreted by both the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven. The incense does primarily represent prayers rising to heaven, but it is also used to bless/sanctify things in a special way. The incensing sanctifies the altar, preparing it for the sacrifice and honoring it as the place of that sacrifice. The altar is the holiest location inside any Catholic Church.
Incense is used during 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 of the Eucharist, the consecration of a church or altar, and at other services. Incense is used 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. During funeral masses, the priest at the final commendation may incense the coffin, as a sign of honor to the deceased and as a sign of the faithful's prayers for the deceased rising to God.
Incense is also used in the blessing of the dedication of new churches, cemeteries, and items such as new altars, new church bells, new sacred vessels, and newly acquired copies of the Book of Gospels. Incense is also used in the rite of consecrating the chrism and the blessing of other holy oils, and during the singing of the Gospel canticle at solemn Morning and Evening Prayers of the Divine Office.
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The aroma creates a sense of serenity and sacredness
Incense has been used in religious rituals since ancient times, with the first recorded use by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. It has been an integral part of various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, and Christianity. The aroma of incense plays a significant role in creating an atmosphere of serenity and sacredness during religious ceremonies.
In Christian worship, incense is commonly used during the celebration of the Eucharist, funerals, benediction, and the consecration of churches or altars. The act of burning incense and the release of its aromatic smoke add a sense of solemnity and mystery to the rituals. The sweet and spicy scent of incense, often a blend of frankincense and myrrh, creates an ambiance of tranquility and sanctity. The smoke is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, connecting the earthly ceremony with the divine realm.
The use of incense in Christian liturgy symbolises purification and sanctification. The altar, considered the holiest location inside a Catholic Church, is incensed to prepare it for sacrifice and to honour it as the place of sacrifice. The incense itself represents the irrevocable surrender of precious offerings to God and symbolises unceasing prayer and worship.
The aroma of incense, with its unique blend of essential oils, creates a sense of serenity and sacredness that enhances the worship experience. The sweet and earthy scents, often with hints of citrus and spice, promote a sense of calm and connection to the divine. The act of burning incense and the visual imagery of the smoke add to the spiritual impact of the ceremony.
In addition to Christianity, the use of incense in other religious traditions also holds significant meaning. In Hinduism, incense is offered to God in various forms, such as Krishna and Rama, as a daily ritual worship. In East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and Chinese Taoist and Japanese Shinto rites, incense is used to purify the surroundings and invoke deities and ancestors. The thick coils of incense hung from the ceiling or placed on special stands fill the temples with fragrant smoke.
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Incense is made from frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, and other aromatics
Incense has been used in religious rituals for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Indians of the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. It has since been adopted by various religious traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Shinto.
In Christian worship, incense is used in a variety of contexts, including the celebration of the Eucharist, funerals, and the consecration of churches or altars. The act of burning incense is symbolic and is believed to represent purification, sanctification, and the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
The incense used in churches is typically made from a blend of aromatic substances, including frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, and other aromatics. Frankincense, derived from the Boswellia tree's resin, lends a warm, spicy, and slightly citrusy aroma to the incense. Myrrh, sourced from the Commiphora species, adds a slightly sweet, smoky, and bitter undertone. Benzoin resin, traditionally used in ancient India, provides a perfumed smoke when burned.
These primary ingredients may be combined with other aromatics to create unique blends used by different churches or monasteries. For example, the Orthodox Church, including Greek Orthodox, uses a special blend called "Athonite-style" incense, which includes frankincense as the base along with other resins and essential oils, resulting in a rich, complex, earthy, and ethereal fragrance.
In addition to its use in religious ceremonies, incense is also commonly burned in homes, especially to commemorate special feast days or mark times of prayer in the Christian tradition. The practice of burning incense is believed to enhance the worship experience, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity, serenity, and sacredness, and promoting a sense of connection with the divine.
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Frequently asked questions
The incense used in churches typically includes frankincense and myrrh as the main ingredients. It may also include other ingredients like onycha, styrax, benzoin, copal, and various aromatic herbs.
Church incense has a rich, sweet, and somewhat spicy aroma with a woody, earthy, and citrusy scent. The addition of myrrh adds a slightly bitter undertone.
The use of incense in churches adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The smoke and aroma symbolize the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing the congregation to enter the presence of God. Incense also symbolizes the act of purification and sanctification, with the smoke representing prayers rising up to heaven.
Incense is used in Christian worship during the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, benediction, and the consecration of a church or altar. It is also burned during special Feast Days or times of prayer.
