Anisha Riggs
The vessel that priests swing around is called a thurible and it is used in the Christian liturgy for burning incense. The use of incense in religious rites was common in the ancient world, especially among the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians. In the Christian tradition, the smoke from the incense is meant to symbolize the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven. The number of swings of the thurible varies depending on the object or person being incensed. For example, three double swings are used to incense the Blessed Sacrament, while a series of single swings are used for the altar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Thurible |
| Other Names | Censer, Vessel |
| Description | A metal bowl with a lid, usually silver, brass or gold-plated, with a base so it can stand upright. The lid is often topped with a cross and has holes to allow the fragrance from the incense to escape. |
| Chains | Usually three outer chains attached to the bowl, and a fourth inner chain attached to the lid. |
| Purpose | Symbolises the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven. |
| Usage | Incense is placed inside the thurible and burned over charcoal, producing a sweet-smelling aroma. |
| Swings | Single and double swings are used depending on the object or person being incensed. The number of swings also varies depending on the tradition and specific rituals being followed. |
| Usage in Mass | Incense may be used at various points during Mass, including the entrance procession, the beginning of Mass, the procession and proclamation of the gospel, the offertory, the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice, and during funeral services. |
| History | The use of incense in religious rites is ancient and was common in Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, and among the Jews and in the classical world. The earliest evidence of its use in Christianity dates back to the 4th century. |
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What You'll Learn
- The thurible is the name of the incense vessel swung by priests
- Incense is burned on charcoal placed in a metal bowl
- The number of swings varies depending on the object or person being incensed
- Incense is used in many religious traditions, including Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism
- Incense symbolises the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven
The thurible is the name of the incense vessel swung by priests
The use of incense in religious rites dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, and Jews. In Christian liturgy, the earliest evidence of thurible use is from the 4th century when the Roman emperor Constantine donated several to the Church of San Giovanni in Laterano. Today, the Roman Missal allows the use of incense at any Mass, and the number of swings of the thurible is specified in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
There are two types of swings or 'ductus': a double swing involves swinging the thurible twice, while a single swing involves only one movement. The number of swings varies depending on what is being incensed. For example, three double swings are made to incense the Blessed Sacrament, while two double swings are used for relics and images of Saints. The altar is incensed with single swings, and the priest may also make the sign of the cross over the offerings with the thurible.
The use of incense and the swinging of the thurible are symbolic gestures. Incense is believed to represent the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven. The swinging of the thurible, therefore, becomes an expression of reverence and prayer, adding a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass.
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Incense is burned on charcoal placed in a metal bowl
Incense is often used in religious ceremonies, including Christian liturgy, to symbolise the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven. The vessel used to burn incense is called a thurible, which is usually made of silver, brass, or gold-plated metal. It consists of a metal bowl with a base, into which charcoal and incense are placed.
To burn incense on charcoal in a metal bowl, you will need a few specific tools and materials. Firstly, ensure you have a screened charcoal burner with a concave screen, as this will create a nook to hold the charcoal disc in place. Charcoal touching metal will not burn, so a screened burner is essential. Alternatively, if your burner does not have a screen, place some sand in the bottom of the vessel and put the charcoal on top. Always use a heat-proof container, preferably made of metal, as other materials may break due to the high heat of the charcoal.
Once you have your materials, use tongs to grip the charcoal disc and hold it over an open flame to ignite it. You can use a candle or a torch lighter for this step. If you are using quick-igniting charcoal, you will see some sparking, followed by the release of smoke. Avoid this first smoke, and wait for the charcoal to form a ring of ash before proceeding to the next step. If you are using non-quick-igniting charcoal, you may need to burn it for a few minutes on a stovetop or burner.
After your charcoal is lit and ashy, you can add your incense. Use your fingers or a metal spoon to carefully add a pinch of loose incense to the hot charcoal. The resin will boil and melt into the charcoal, releasing a strong fragrance. Herbs will burn faster, so wait until they are charred before scraping them off the charcoal and adding more. You can control the burn rate by tapping off or leaving the ashes. Adding more ashes will result in a slower burn, while tapping them off will make the charcoal burn hotter and faster.
Burning incense on charcoal in a metal bowl offers a versatile, traditional way to enjoy a wide range of natural incense types, including resins, herbs, and powders. It provides a strong, long-lasting fragrance, ideal for creating a calming atmosphere during meditation, relaxation, or spiritual practices.
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The number of swings varies depending on the object or person being incensed
The incense vessel, known as a thurible, is used in Christian liturgy to burn incense. The number of swings of the thurible varies depending on the object or person being incensed. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal specifies the number of swings for different persons or objects.
For instance, the Most Blessed Sacrament, relics of the Holy Cross, and images of the Lord receive three double swings. On the other hand, relics and images of the Saints exposed for public veneration receive two double swings at the beginning of the celebration. The altar is incensed with a series of single swings, while the priest may choose to trace a cross over the offerings with the thurible instead of using three swings.
The Eastern Orthodox Church, Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic Churches, and Eastern Lutheran Churches use incense frequently, not just during the Eucharist but also at Vespers, Matins, and other occasional services. During funeral services, the censer is swung almost continuously.
The thurible is usually made of silver, brass, or gold-plated metal, and it consists of a metal bowl with a lid topped with a cross. The number of chains on the censer also holds symbolic significance, with three outer chains representing the Holy Trinity and a fourth inner chain representing the Oneness of God.
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Incense is used in many religious traditions, including Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism
Incense has been used in religious traditions for thousands of years, with the first recorded use being in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. It is believed that incense was introduced to China by Buddhist monks around 200 CE, and from there, it spread to other parts of East Asia, including Japan and Korea.
In Buddhism, incense is burned at festivals, initiations, and daily rites. It is also used as a timer for meditation and prayer, with different types of incense burning at different rates. In Buddhist temples, the inner spaces are scented with thick coiled incense, hung from the ceiling or placed on special stands. Worshippers light and burn incense sticks, waving or raising them above their heads while bowing to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors.
Shintoism, a traditional religion of Japan, also incorporates the use of incense in its rituals. In Japanese Shinto shrines, incense sticks are placed horizontally into censers on top of the ash. The formula and scent of the incense sticks used in various temples throughout Asia can vary widely.
Taoism, a religious tradition originating in China, also makes use of incense in its ceremonies and rites. In Chinese Taoist temples, incense is burned to scent the inner spaces, and worshippers light and burn incense sticks as offerings.
The use of incense in these religious traditions is often associated with purification, offerings to deities, and enhancing the spiritual experience through aromatic smoke.
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Incense symbolises the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven
Incense has been used in religious rituals since ancient times, with the first recorded use being by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. It has been used in various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Judaism, and Christianity. In Christian liturgy, incense is burned in a vessel called a thurible and is understood as symbolising the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven.
The use of incense in Christian worship is often associated with the celebration of the Eucharist, funerals, benediction, and the consecration of churches or altars. During the Mass, incense is used to honour holy people and things. The priest or deacon swings the thurible, containing burning incense and charcoal, towards the objects or individuals being censed. This act symbolises the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and represents the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
The number of swings of the thurible and the amount of incense used can hold symbolic significance. In some traditions, one spoonful of incense represents the Oneness of God, two spoonfuls symbolise the dual nature of Christ (human and divine), and three spoonfuls indicate the Holy Trinity. The practice of incensing is also mentioned in the Bible, specifically in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice."
Additionally, the Book of Revelation describes incense as symbolising the prayers of the saints in heaven. For example, in Revelation 5:8, it mentions "the prayers of the saints" as a "golden bowl full of incense." Similarly, in Revelation 8:3, the Apostle John envisions the prayers of the saints rising as incense to God, accompanied by heavenly incense. These biblical references further reinforce the symbolism of incense as the prayers of the faithful ascending to God in heaven.
The use of incense in religious rituals provides a visual and sensory element to worship, symbolising the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual purification of prayers rising to heaven. The act of swinging the thurible by priests or deacons during Christian liturgy adds to the solemnity and significance of the ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
It's called a thurible.
A thurible is a vessel used in the Christian liturgy for burning incense.
Incense is an aromatic substance made from the resin of certain trees. When burned over charcoal, it produces a sweet-smelling aroma.
The swinging motion is used to direct the smoke from the incense towards a person or object being incensed.
Incense is used in religious rites to symbolize sanctification and purification. It is also believed to symbolize the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven.
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