Anisha Riggs
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, China, India, and beyond. In Christianity, the use of incense is inspired by passages in the Bible and has been employed in worship since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, and some Anglican Churches. The smoke from burning incense is interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, as described in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hand, as the evening sacrifice. Incense is often used during the celebration of the Eucharist, at funerals, and at other services, with many different formulations including frankincense, myrrh, styrax, and copal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | To symbolise prayer and sanctification |
| To purify the coffin at funerals and bless statues and images | |
| To symbolise the incorruptibility of God | |
| To illustrate the transformation from body to soul | |
| To symbolise the ascent of the prayers of the faithful and the merits of the saints | |
| To cover smells and prevent disease | |
| To drive away demons | |
| To manifest the presence of the gods | |
| To gratify the gods | |
| Religious use | Used in Christian worship during the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, and benediction |
| Used in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches, Anglican churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic churches, and the Church of England | |
| Used in Jewish worship | |
| Used in Taoist, Shinto, and Buddhist temples | |
| Used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome | |
| Composition | Formulations often include frankincense, benzoin, myrrh, styrax, copal, or other aromatics |
| Historically, resins such as frankincense and myrrh, along with aromatic wood and bark, seeds, roots, and flowers were used |
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What You'll Learn
Incense in Christian worship
Incense has been used in Christian worship since antiquity, especially in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. Incense is also increasingly used in other Christian denominations, such as Methodism.
The use of incense in Christian worship is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple. In the Bible, God gave instructions for constructing an altar of incense, which was set in the Holy Place in front of the veil before the Holy of Holies. A priest would burn incense on this altar daily, and the smoke was interpreted as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven. This symbolism is reflected 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."
Incense is often used in Christian worship during the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, benediction, and the consecration of a church or altar. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches of Evangelical Catholic churchmanship, Anglican churches of Anglo-Catholic churchmanship, and Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic churches, incense is used at almost every service.
While the use of incense in Christian worship has a long history, it is not without controversy. Some Christians view incense as a reminder of pagan religions and its use as an approval of idolatrous practices. However, others argue that incense serves as a symbol of prayer and a means of sanctifying and purifying. The use of incense in Christian worship is a matter of conviction, and Christians have the freedom to choose whether or not to use it.
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Incense in the Bible
The use of incense in the Bible has been interpreted in various ways by Christians. Some sources suggest that the Bible does not instruct Christians to burn incense. However, others highlight that incense holds symbolic value in the Bible and is used in Christian worship.
The Bible and Incense
Incense is mentioned in the Bible, and its use is instructed by God. In Exodus 30, God gives Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It is to be burned perpetually before the Lord as a holy act of worship. The book of Leviticus outlines the severe consequences for the misuse of incense, as in the case of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who died for improper worship involving incense (Leviticus 10:1-2). The Gospel of Luke reveals a shift in tradition, where ordinary priests were also permitted to offer incense (Luke 1:9-10).
Symbolism and Worship
Incense is symbolic in the Bible. In Psalm 141:2, David writes, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." This expresses the idea that incense symbolizes prayer and the relationship between God and His people. The smoke of incense rising towards heaven is likened to prayers rising up to God. The sweet fragrance of incense is also interpreted as a reminder that God is pleased when His people pray.
Incense in Christian Worship
The use of incense in Christian worship is observed in various traditions. Incense is used in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic tradition, and some Lutheran churches. It is burned during the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations, funerals, benediction, and other services. The use of incense in Christian worship dates back to the 4th or 5th century, after a period of avoidance due to its association with pagan sacrifices.
Types of Incense
The Bible provides specific instructions for the composition of holy incense. Exodus 30:34 describes a balsamic fragrance, and "strange" incense that deviated from God's recipe was forbidden for worship. Today, various formulations of incense are used, often including aromatics such as frankincense, benzoin, myrrh, styrax, and copal.
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Incense in the Mass
Incense has been used in religious rituals since ancient times. The first recorded use of incense was by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. Egyptians during the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC) were the first in the non-Asian world to discover the use of incense. The use of incense in Christian worship can be traced back to the Old Testament, where God gave Moses instructions on how to build an altar of incense to stand beside the altar of sacrifice. The Bible also mentions that God gave Moses a recipe for making holy incense with a balsamic fragrance.
The use of incense in Christian worship was not always common and was often associated with pagan sacrifices. It was in the 4th or 5th century that incense started to become a part of ordinary Christian worship. Today, incense is used in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches of Evangelical Catholic churchmanship, Anglican churches of Anglo-Catholic churchmanship, and Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic churches. Incense is also used in Roman Catholic tradition, although its use has declined over the years, with many Catholic priests choosing not to use it during Mass.
During Mass, incense is used at various points, such as during the entrance procession, at the proclamation of the gospel, at the offertory, or at the elevation of the Eucharist after the consecration. The smoke from the incense is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising up to God, connecting our worship on earth with the worship of heaven. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell create an ambiance of solemnity and mystery, reminding the congregation that the entire world is sacred.
The use of incense in Christian worship is not without controversy. Some Christians may struggle with the use of incense due to its historical association with pagan religions. Additionally, the overuse of incense can cause breathing difficulties for some individuals, leading to discussions about reducing its use during Mass. However, incense remains an important part of Catholic worship, and its use is appropriate for Mass.
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Incense in funerals and blessings
Incense has been used in religious rituals for thousands of years, with the first recorded use by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. In Christianity, incense is used in worship at the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, and blessings.
The use of incense in Christian funerals is a tradition that is etched into the fabric of the Catholic Church. It is used to express reverence and respect for the deceased. The smoke is believed to symbolise the ascension to heaven of the soul of the deceased. The incense is used at different points during the service, including at the entrance procession, at the start of Mass, before the gospel is proclaimed, and following the placement on the altar of the bread and the chalice. It is also used at the casket in the church and at the cemetery.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, incense is burned on the altar within the tabernacle. Priests burn about half a pound of incense daily. The exact composition of this incense is described in Exodus 30:34 of the Bible, and it had a balsamic fragrance.
Incense is also used in Buddhist funeral services. The fragrant smoke is believed to purify the environment, carrying prayers and offerings to the divine realm. Buddhists regard incense as a conduit between the earthly and spiritual planes, fostering a sense of tranquility and reverence. The lighting of incense sticks symbolises the impermanence of life and the passage of the soul into the afterlife.
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Incense in Christian history
The use of incense in Christian worship is a practice that has evolved over time, with varying degrees of acceptance and incorporation across different denominations. While incense has been a part of Christian history, its presence in Christian rituals has been a subject of debate and interpretation.
The Old Testament, particularly Exodus 30:34, provides instructions for constructing an altar of incense in the Holy Place before the Holy of Holies. This altar was to be adorned with incense of a specific balsamic fragrance, burning perpetually before the Lord. The Old Testament also mentions the use of incense in connection with rituals involving the blood of sacrifices, symbolising the prayers of the saints and their faith in God.
However, early Christians did not incorporate incense in their practices due to its association with pagan religions and sacrifices. Incense was often used in pagan cultures such as ancient Egypt, China, India, and the Middle East, where it was offered to deities and spirits. The link between incense and paganism posed a challenge for Christians, especially those with a pagan background, as they had to navigate the potential interpretation of incense use as an endorsement of idolatry.
It was only in the 4th or 5th century that incense began to be reintroduced into ordinary Christian worship. Today, its use varies across denominations. Incense is commonly used in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic tradition, and some Lutheran churches, as well as in Anglican churches of Anglo-Catholic churchmanship. It is employed during the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations, funerals, and other services.
The act of burning incense in Christian worship holds symbolic significance. It is believed to symbolise prayer, with the smoke representing the ascent of prayers to heaven. The scent of incense, such as frankincense, permeating the church symbolises the holiness that pervades the world. Additionally, the use of incense in Christian worship may be seen as a return to "vintage" Christianity, reflecting a desire to reconnect with the traditions of the past.
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Frequently asked questions
The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible, and it has been employed in Christian worship since antiquity. The smoke of burning incense is interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
In the Book of Exodus, God instructs Moses on how to build an altar of incense to stand beside the altar of sacrifice. In Psalm 141 (140), verse 2, it is written, "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice."
Many different formulations of incense are used, often including aromatics such as frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, styrax, copal, and more.
The use of incense was not present in early Christian practices due to its association with pagan sacrifices. It was not until the 4th or 5th century that incense started to be incorporated into ordinary Christian worship.
Some Christians, particularly those with backgrounds in paganism, may struggle with using incense due to its historical connection with pagan religions. However, many Christian groups today incorporate incense into their worship services, including Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist churches.
