Katrina Rosales
Incense is an aromatic substance made from the resin of certain trees. It has been used across the world since ancient times, with the first recorded use in Egypt around 2400 BC. The use of incense is often associated with religious rites, such as in ancient Egypt, China, and in Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies. In Christianity, incense is used during Mass and other liturgical rites, symbolizing prayer and sanctification. The sweet aroma of incense is believed to be pleasing to God, with the smoke symbolizing prayers rising up to heaven. Incense is also used for secular purposes such as meditation, therapy, and deodorization, as it is known to have a calming effect on the mind and can be used to alter the atmosphere of a room.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Pleasing to God |
| Symbol of prayers rising up to God | |
| Symbol of reverence and dedication | |
| Symbol of purification | |
| Religious use | Used in Christianity since antiquity |
| Used in Hinduism since 3600 BC | |
| Used in Buddhism | |
| Used in Chinese Taoist and Japanese Shinto | |
| Used in Judaism | |
| Used in Babylonia, Assyria, Phoenicia | |
| Used in Egypt since 2345-2494 BC |
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What You'll Learn
Incense as a symbol of purification
Incense has been used for thousands of years across a variety of cultures and religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, and ancient Egyptian and Indian civilisations.
In many of these contexts, incense is used as a symbol of purification. In Christianity, for example, the smoke of burning incense is interpreted as a symbol of the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is seen 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". In Revelation 5:8, John describes a vision of heaven in which elders around the throne hold "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people".
Incense is also used in purification rituals in other religions. In East Asian Buddhist ceremonies, for example, incense is reputed to be a method of purifying the surroundings and bringing forth an assembly of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, gods, and demons. In the Hindu tradition, incense is offered to God as part of daily ritual worship, and it is said in the Bhagavad Gita that "Krishna accepts the offering made to Him with love".
The use of incense as a symbol of purification may be related to its sweet aroma, which can symbolise something pleasing and acceptable being offered to God or another deity. The act of burning incense may also be seen as a way to symbolise the purification of one's prayers or offerings, making them acceptable to the divine.
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Incense in Christian worship
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies across numerous cultures and religions, including Christianity. The use of incense in Christian worship holds a rich history and symbolic meaning.
The burning of incense in Christian worship is believed to have originated in the Book of Exodus, where God instructs Moses to create an altar of acacia wood for burning incense. Aaron, the high priest, was then tasked with offering incense every morning and evening. This practice was also observed in the tabernacle and temple-worship of Israel, as well as in the religious ceremonies of other ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.
In Christian symbolism, incense represents the prayers of the faithful rising up to God. This symbolism is reflected in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice." The sweet aroma of incense is also seen as an offering that is pleasing and acceptable to God. Incense is often used during Christian worship services, such as the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn vespers, funerals, and benediction. The act of incensing the altar or the Gospel book demonstrates reverence for Christ and his sacrifice.
The use of incense in Christian worship varies across different denominations. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches of Evangelical Catholic churchmanship, Anglican churches, and Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic churches, incense is used regularly during services. The specific formulations of incense can differ, often incorporating ingredients such as frankincense, benzoin, myrrh, styrax, or copal.
The ritual of burning incense in Christian worship serves as a powerful symbol that enhances the spiritual experience and connects the faithful to God through their prayers.
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Incense in the Bible
The use of incense in the Bible is often associated with religious ceremonies and acts of worship. Incense is mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Exodus, where God gives Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the preparation and burning of incense. According to Exodus, incense was to be burned perpetually before the Lord as a holy act of worship (Exodus 30). The Bible describes the recipe for the sacred incense as a mixture of costly and fragrant materials, including sweet spices, stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense (Exodus 30:34-38). Aaron, as high priest, was originally appointed to burn incense each morning and evening (Exodus 30:7-8, 14; 30:1-10).
Incense is also mentioned in the New Testament, where it continues to hold symbolic significance. In the time of Christ, incense was offered in the Temple, and the Magi offered incense to the newborn Christ as a symbol of his divinity (Matthew 2:11). In the Book of Revelation, incense is used in heavenly worship, symbolizing the prayers of the saints rising up to God (Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4). The smoke of the incense is described as going up before God with the prayers of the saints, symbolizing the intercession of Christ (Revelation 8:1).
The sweet fragrance of incense is often interpreted as something pleasing and acceptable to God, reflecting the idea that prayers rise up to God like the smoke of incense (Psalm 141:2). The physical act of burning incense and its aromatic qualities help worshippers physically and spiritually lift up their hearts to God. The use of incense in the Bible underscores the importance of reverence, dedication, and the offering of prayers in a pleasing manner to God.
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Incense in other religions
The use of incense in religious contexts has a long history, with the practice originating in antiquity. Incense has been used in a variety of religious traditions around the world, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shinto.
Incense in Christianity
The use of incense in Christian worship is rooted in the Bible, with references in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Incense is mentioned in the Book of Exodus, where Moses is instructed to make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense, and in the Psalms, where the psalmist compares prayer to incense rising to God. In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation describes a vision of heaven in which elders hold golden bowls filled with incense, representing the prayers of the saints.
In Christian worship, incense is used in a variety of denominations, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican churches. It is employed during the celebration of the Eucharist, at funerals, benediction, and other services. The sweet aroma and rising smoke of incense symbolize something pleasing and acceptable offered to God, as well as the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
Incense in Judaism
Incense has a long history in Jewish religious practice, dating back to the Old Testament period. It was used in the tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. However, incense no longer plays a role in the Jewish liturgy. In the Jewish religion, incense was offered as a spiritual sacrifice, believed to drive away demons and appease the gods.
Incense in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shinto
Incense holds an important role in religious practices across East Asia. In Hinduism, particularly among the Śaivas, incense is used for ritual and domestic offerings. Buddhists burn incense at festivals, initiations, and daily rites, while in Chinese Taoist temples, thick coils of incense are hung from the ceiling or placed on stands. Worshippers light and burn bundles of incense, waving or raising them above their heads while bowing to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors. In Japanese Shinto shrines, incense is placed horizontally into censers on top of the ash.
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Incense in funeral rites
The use of incense in funeral rites has a long history, with the practice having been adopted by various religions and cultures over the centuries. The burning of incense is believed to hold profound significance in these solemn ceremonies, carrying a variety of symbolic meanings.
In Catholic funeral rites, incense is often used during the Mass of Christian Burial. The smoke rising from the incense symbolises the ascension of the soul of the deceased to heaven, representing their prayers and good wishes ascending to the divine realm. This interpretation is shared by both Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches, who view the smoke as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to God. The incense also signifies reverence and respect for the deceased, honouring the body which became the temple of the Holy Spirit through baptism.
The specific type of incense used in Catholic funeral rites can vary, with some parishes favouring frankincense as the main ingredient, while others prefer myrrh. These resins are derived from trees and serve as natural alternatives to incense, with the ability to replicate the aroma without producing smoke. The use of incense in Catholic funeral rites is not merely symbolic but also practical, as it helps to contain the smell of decomposition.
In Buddhist funeral ceremonies, incense plays a pivotal role in religious aromatherapy. The calming scent of incense, often derived from sandalwood, promotes mindfulness and peace among the bereaved, aiding in the processing of grief. The act of burning incense is also believed to create a sacred space, connecting the physical world with the spiritual realm.
Incense holds a significant place in Hindu funeral rites as well. It is used to symbolise purification and sanctification, cleansing the soul of the departed and facilitating their journey to the afterlife. The aroma of incense is thought to trigger memories, evoking personal and shared reminiscences about the deceased.
The use of incense in funeral rites extends beyond religious ceremonies. In ancient times, various civilisations, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians, employed incense in their funeral practices. For example, the Greeks recorded the use of incense by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation as early as 3600 BC. The burning of incense was believed to ward off demons and negative influences, protecting the deceased and guiding their souls to the afterlife.
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Frequently asked questions
In Christianity, incense is used during worship and prayer. The smoke from the incense is interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. Incense is also used to show reverence and dedication.
Incense is offered to God as part of the daily ritual worship within the Hindu tradition. It is also used in purification rituals.
Incense holds an invaluable role in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and rites. It is believed to be a method of purifying the surroundings and bringing forth an assembly of buddhas, bodhisattvas, gods, and demons.
Incense is often burnt in connection with animal offerings. The sweet smell and rising smoke symbolise something pleasing to God.
