Anisha Riggs
The scent of church incense is steeped in centuries-old traditions, enhancing the spiritual experience of worshippers. Incense is used in many religions, including Christianity, where it symbolises the purification of the altar and the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The sweet aroma of church incense is often a blend of frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal and other aromatics, creating a unique and recognisable scent. The raw resins are ground, mixed with other ingredients, and sometimes aged, resulting in a complex fragrance that varies across regions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scent | Sweet, citrusy, piney, rich, smoky, bitter |
| Ingredients | Frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal, styrax, aromatics, fragrant resins, essential oils |
| Purpose | Purification, symbolism, enhancement of spiritual experience |
| Religious Use | Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Churches, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism |
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What You'll Learn
Frankincense and myrrh
The aroma of myrrh can be described as woody, warm, aromatic, pungent, and slightly medicinal. It is an aromatic oleo-gum-resin, a natural blend of essential oil and resin. Commiphora myrrha, a species of flowering plant native to northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, is commonly used in the production of myrrh. The sap is extracted by making incisions in the trunk of the tree, which pierces the gum resin reservoirs. The sap then slowly oozes out, forming tear-shaped droplets that harden into reddish-brown masses.
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is another aromatic oleo-gum-resin. It has a high level of incensole acetate, which can generate heightened feelings of well-being and spirituality and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Boswellia Frereana is the most common variety of frankincense used in churches.
When combined, frankincense and myrrh create a unique and elegant scent profile. Hints of citrusy bergamot and amber open up to a heart of resinous myrrh and frankincense. The wood and incense notes are softened by powder and oud in the base. The earthiness of the fragrance is reinforced by the addition of olibanum, patchouli, and coriander seed essential oils. This scent combination is commonly used in candles, melts, body scrubs, lotions, and soaps, providing a soft and calming aroma.
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Religious rituals
The use of incense in religious rituals is an ancient tradition, with roots in multiple faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. The specific rituals and significance of incense vary across these religions, but they all share a common thread of using incense to create an atmosphere of reverence, tranquility, and sacredness.
Christianity
Incense has been a part of Christian worship since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. In the Bible, the use of incense is mentioned in Exodus 30:34, where Moses is instructed by the Lord to use sweet spices and
During Christian worship, incense is burned during the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations like Vespers and Evensong, funerals, benediction, and the consecration of churches or altars. The smoke from burning incense is interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The altar is typically incensed at the beginning of the Mass, and the priest incenses the bread and wine/body and blood of Christ during the Eucharist.
Buddhism and Hinduism
In East Asian Buddhist and Hindu ceremonies, incense holds a significant role. 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 believed to purify the surroundings and bring forth an assembly of buddhas, bodhisattvas, gods, and demons. The type of incense used by Hindus and Buddhists is Gum Benzoin, which is similar in scent to frankincense.
Judaism and Islam
The use of incense in Christian worship is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple. In Islam, incense is used in events such as the Tahfidh graduation ceremony and the regular rite of purifying and cleansing the Ka'aba in Makkah. According to a hadith (tradition of the Islamic prophet Muhammad), the first group of people who will enter Paradise will be pure and free from bodily secretions.
Taoism
In Chinese Taoist temples, the inner spaces are scented with thick coiled incense hung from the ceiling or placed on special stands.
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History and tradition
The use of incense in Christian worship is inspired by passages in the Bible. Incense has been used in Christian worship since ancient times, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. The practice is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism in the time of the Second Jewish Temple.
The use of incense is also mentioned in the Quran and is a common practice in Islam. In ancient India, resins from the Commiphora wightii tree were burned as incense. In East Asian Buddhist ceremonies, incense is burned to purify the surroundings and bring forth an assembly of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, gods, and demons. In Chinese Taoist temples, the inner spaces are scented with thick coiled incense, hung from the ceiling or on special stands. 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 a deity or ancestor.
The use of incense in Christian worship carries with it a symbolism of prayer and worship. 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 sweet fragrance of frankincense and myrrh is said to carry the prayers of the faithful to heaven. The altar is incensed at the beginning of the Mass, and the priest incenses the bread and wine/body and blood of Christ during the Eucharist. The priest also incenses the priest, deacon, acolytes, and the people before the Eucharist.
The use of incense in Christian worship is also practical. Incense can help suppress the smell of the people in a full church. It is also said to have a psychological and spiritual impact on the worship experience, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity, serenity, and sacredness. It enhances the worship experience, promoting a sense of connection with the divine.
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Types of incense
Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. The forms taken by incense differ with the underlying culture, and have changed with advances in technology and increasing use cases.
Incense can generally be separated into two main types: "indirect-burning" and "direct-burning". Indirect-burning incense (or "non-combustible incense") is not capable of burning on its own and requires a separate heat source, such as charcoal or glowing embers. Direct-burning incense (or "combustible incense") is lit directly by a flame and then fanned or blown out, leaving a glowing ember that smoulders and releases a smoky fragrance. Direct-burning incense is either a paste formed around a bamboo stick, or a paste that is extruded into a stick, coil, or cone shape.
Incense is used in many religious contexts, including in Christianity, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, and Islam. In Christian worship, incense is used at the celebration of the Eucharist, at funerals, and at the consecration of a church or altar, among other services. 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. In East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and rites, incense holds an invaluable role. Worshippers at the temples 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 a deity or an ancestor. Incense is also used in Chinese Taoist and Japanese Shinto shrines for the deity Inari Okami, or the Seven Lucky Gods.
Incense sticks and incense cones are the two most common forms of incense. Incense sticks consist of a thin stick made from bamboo, coated in a scent-infused material. Incense cones have no supporting centre; instead, the fragrant material is pressed into a small cone shape so that it can sit upright. Japanese incense is similar to the classic incense stick, except it has no bamboo centre. Incense is also available in coil form, which is made by pressing the aromatic material into a flat, coil shape. This type of incense has no supporting core and simply lies flat on sand or a specially designed heat-proof dish.
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How to burn incense
The scent of church incense is often a blend of aromatic materials, resins, and essential oils, which, when burned, release a smoke that carries a distinct fragrance. This fragrance is deep and rich, with a sweet and spicy character. Notes of frankincense and myrrh are key, offering a warm and balsamic scent with a hint of woody, earthy tones. This unique blend creates an atmospheric and spiritual aroma.
Now, here is a guide on how to burn incense:
When burning incense, it is important to create a safe and controlled environment. Always ensure the space is well-ventilated, and any flammable materials are kept away from the heat source. Choose a heat-resistant burner and a suitable surface to place it on, away from any drafts. A stable, flat surface is ideal, and you may wish to use a tray or plate to catch any falling ash.
There are various types of incense to choose from, including cones, sticks, and coils. Each will have a slightly different burning process, so ensure you read the instructions provided with your chosen incense. As an example, let's consider how to burn incense sticks, a common and convenient form of incense:
- Hold the incense stick at one end and carefully light the other end with a flame. You may use a candle, lighter, or match.
- Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, enough to ignite the incense, and then gently blow out the flame. The incense should now be smoldering and producing a delicate wisp of smoke.
- Place the smoldering incense stick in your burner, ensuring it rests securely and won't topple over. You may need to use a heat-resistant holder or fill your burner with sand or ash to provide a stable base.
- The incense will continue to burn and release its fragrance. You can adjust the burn time by trimming the stick to your desired length, or simply allow it to burn down naturally. Should you need to extinguish the incense before it is fully burned, dip the glowing end into water or sand to safely snuff out the ember.
- Always ensure you practice safety when burning incense. Never leave it unattended, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of the ash carefully, ensuring it is completely cooled, and follow any specific instructions provided with your chosen incense variety.
Burning incense is a wonderful way to create a calming and sacred atmosphere, and with the right techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of this ancient tradition safely and mindfully.
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Frequently asked questions
The scent of church incense varies depending on the type of incense being used. In the Catholic Church, the most common types of incense are frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense has a sweet, citrusy, and slightly piney aroma, while myrrh has a rich, smoky, and slightly bitter scent. Other types of incense used include benzoin, copal, styrax, and other aromatics.
Incense is made from natural ingredients such as fragrant resins and essential oils. In the case of frankincense, it is obtained from the Boswellia tree as a hardened resin.
The use of incense in churches has both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, the sweet scent of incense helps to suppress the smell of congregants and enhance the worship experience. Symbolically, the smoke from burning incense is believed to represent the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
You can buy church incense from various suppliers, including Monastery Incense and Apothecary's Garden. It is important to source incense sustainably, as frankincense is currently being overharvested.
