Heidi Norton
A thurible is a metal censer in which incense is burned during religious services. The thurible is suspended from chains and is swung gently by the priest or thurifer to spread the fragrant smoke of the incense. The number of chains varies, with three or four chains being the most common. The chains on a censer are used to symbolise the Holy Trinity, with the fourth chain representing the Oneness of God. The censer with chains is commonly used in Orthodox worship to engage the sense of smell, with the smoke from the thurible believed to represent the prayers of the church rising towards heaven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Thurible, Censer |
| Material | Metal, Silver, Brass, Gold |
| Components | Metal bowl, Lid, Chains, Metal ring, Crucible, Stand |
| Function | Burn incense during religious services |
| Usage | Suspended from chains, Swung gently to spread incense smoke |
| Religious Traditions | Christianity, Orthodox Christianity, Mayan, Japanese, Buddhist |
| Symbolism | Holy Trinity, Oneness of God, Preaching of the Twelve Apostles |
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What You'll Learn
- The thurible is a metal censer in which incense is burned during religious services
- Incense is placed on burning charcoal inside the censer, melting to produce sweet-smelling smoke
- Thuribles are usually silver, brass or gold-plated, combining the three gifts of the Biblical Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh
- In Orthodox worship, incense smoke is believed to be a physical representation of the prayers of the church rising towards heaven
- Mayan censers from 600-900 AD were highly elaborate, often showing the head of a Mayan deity
The thurible is a metal censer in which incense is burned during religious services
A thurible is a metal censer in which incense is burned during religious services. It is usually made of silver, brass, or gold-plated metal, and consists of a metal bowl with a base so it can stand upright, a lid with holes to allow the fragrance from the incense to escape, and chains (typically three or four) from which it is suspended. The three outer chains are often said to represent the Holy Trinity, while the fourth inner chain represents the Oneness of God. The chains are attached to a round conical plate, and the inner chain passes through a hole in the plate and is attached to a ring, making it easier to lift the lid.
Burning charcoal is placed inside the metal censer, and incense is placed upon it, melting to produce a sweet-smelling smoke. This process may be repeated several times during a service as the incense burns quickly. The thurible is then closed and used for censing, which involves gently swinging it so that the fragrant smoke spreads in a particular direction. This practice is called liturgical censing and is performed by a priest or thurifer (an acolyte who carries the thurible).
In many religious ceremonies, all five senses must be engaged during worship. In Orthodox Christian worship, for example, the senses are engaged through religious imagery, liturgy and songs, the ingestion of Eucharist bread and wine, and the smell of incense. The smoke from the thurible is believed to represent the prayers of the church rising towards heaven.
Thuribles are commonly used for Divine Liturgy, vespers, and matins in the Christian tradition, but they may also be used on other special occasions. They are also used in Mayan rituals, where they are often shaped like an aged priest or deity, and in Japanese tea ceremonies, where they are called "koro" and are typically made of pottery, porcelain, or bronze.
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Incense is placed on burning charcoal inside the censer, melting to produce sweet-smelling smoke
The incense burner, or thurible, is a metal censer in which incense is burned during religious services. The thurible is usually silver, brass or gold-plated, combining the three gifts of the Biblical Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The censer will usually have three outer chains (for the Holy Trinity) attached to the bowl, and a fourth inner chain (for the Oneness of God) attached to the lid. The three outer chains are gathered together and attached to a round conical plate, and the inner chain passes through a hole in the plate and is attached to a ring to make it easier to lift the lid.
Burning charcoal is placed inside the metal censer, either directly into the bowl section or into a removable crucible, and incense is placed upon the charcoal, where it melts to produce a sweet-smelling smoke. This may be done several times during the service as the incense burns quite quickly. Once the incense has been placed on the charcoal, the thurible is then closed and used for censing.
In many religious ceremonies, all five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) must be used during worship. In Orthodox worship, the smoke from the thurible is believed to be a physical representation of the prayers of the church as they rise toward heaven. In the Christian tradition, a thurible is commonly used for Divine Liturgy, vespers, and matins, although it may be used on a variety of other special occasions.
In mosques, incense burners do not have a liturgical use or a specific design denoted for religious context, but they are still an important part of rituals and weddings. In Japan, a censer called an egōro is used by several Buddhist sects. Instead of charcoal, makkō powder is poured into a depression made in a bed of ash, and the incense mixture is burned on top.
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Thuribles are usually silver, brass or gold-plated, combining the three gifts of the Biblical Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh
The device used to burn incense is known as a censer. In the context of Christianity, the term "thurible" is often used to refer to a type of censer that is suspended from chains. Thuribles typically consist of a metal bowl, into which charcoal and incense are placed, and a lid with holes to allow the fragrance from the incense to escape. The chains attached to the thurible are also significant, with three outer chains representing the Holy Trinity and a fourth inner chain representing the Oneness of God.
Thuribles are usually made of silver, brass, or gold-plated metals, combining the three gifts of the Biblical Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts, presented to Jesus by the wise men, are well-known from the Christmas story and hold symbolic significance. Gold, as a precious metal, represented honour and royalty. Frankincense, an ancient incense, was used in temple rituals and is mentioned in the Bible as a sacred anointing oil. Myrrh, also a product of Arabia, was used as a spice, in embalming, and symbolised bitterness, suffering, and affliction.
The practice of burning incense in a thurible, or censer, is common in various religious traditions, including Christianity, where it is used in liturgical censing to direct the smoke from the incense towards something or someone, typically the Holy Eucharist, an icon, or person. This act symbolises the prayers of the church rising towards Heaven. In Eastern Orthodox Churches, censers with four chains and bells are used, while in some monasteries and during Holy Week, a hand censer without chains may be employed.
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In Orthodox worship, incense smoke is believed to be a physical representation of the prayers of the church rising towards heaven
The use of incense in Orthodox worship is a sacred and symbolic act that is believed to elevate the spiritual experience. Incense is not merely burnt for its pleasant smell but carries deep symbolic significance in various church rituals. The smoke from incense is believed to symbolise the purification of the church and the faithful. As the smoke rises, it is believed to purify the air, and similarly, incense symbolically cleanses the soul and creates a sense of reverence and holiness.
The rising smoke of incense is also believed to symbolise prayers ascending to heaven. The sweet scent of the incense is believed to carry the prayers of the worshippers to God, creating a spiritual connection between the earthly and heavenly realms. This belief is grounded in the Psalms, where David pleads, "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense". This verse beautifully captures the idea that just as incense rises towards heaven, so too do our prayers ascend to God.
The use of incense in Orthodox worship is not merely traditional but holds significant meaning. It serves as a sensory experience that engages the believers in the sacred mysteries. The scent of incense creates an immersive atmosphere, reminding worshippers that they are in a sacred space, set apart from the outside world. The practice of burning incense is an ancient one and is believed to deepen the spiritual experience for Orthodox believers.
The censer, the vessel in which the incense is burnt, also holds symbolic meaning. The chains from which the censer swings are said to represent the prayers rising to heaven. The censer typically has three outer chains, symbolising the Holy Trinity, and a fourth inner chain, representing the Oneness of God. The integration of incense and the censer in Orthodox worship reinforces the transcendence of the liturgy, creating a bridge between heaven and earth.
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Mayan censers from 600-900 AD were highly elaborate, often showing the head of a Mayan deity
The device used for burning incense is called a censer. In Mayan culture, censers were an important component of rituals and ceremonies. Mayan censers from 600-900 AD, also known as the Classic Period, were highly elaborate and often featured the head of a Mayan deity.
Mayan civilisation consisted of more than 40 cities, with a peak population of around two million people. The cities of Tikal, Uaxactún, Copán, Bonampak, Dos Pilas, Calakmul, Palenque, and Río Bec were among the principal settlements. Palenque, a significant Maya city-state in present-day Chiapas, Mexico, was particularly known for its sophisticated and elaborately embellished ceramic censers.
Mayan censers from this period typically had a vertical shaft with a reservoir for burning incense on top. They were crafted in a variety of sizes, ranging from a few inches to several feet in height. The censers were often decorated with intricate iconographic elements, most commonly featuring the Jaguar God of the Underworld, also known as GIII in the Palenque triad of deities.
The tubular bodies of the censers symbolised cosmic trees, facilitating the movement of deities through the cosmos during rituals. Some censer stands featured multiple heads, including those of reptilian creatures, human-deity hybrids, serpent-birds, and the Jester God. The side flanges of these stands were adorned with motifs such as jewels with bird-shaped heads, crocodile features, and ornamented ear spools, showcasing the craftsmanship of Mayan artists.
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Frequently asked questions
The incense on a chain is called a thurible.
A thurible is a metal censer in which incense is burned during religious services.
A censer is a vessel used for burning incense or incense grains.
Incense is a natural, aromatic resin from Boswellia trees.
Burning incense represents the prayers of the church rising towards Heaven.
