Katrina Rosales
Incense has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies and rituals. The burning of incense sticks is an ancient tradition that is prevalent in many cultures and religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. The use of incense in religious contexts may have originated as a sacrificial offering to deities or as an aid in prayer. Incense is also used in various forms, such as sticks, coils, or grains, and is often burned during worship to symbolise the offering of prayers to the divine. In some religions, such as Hinduism, specific rituals are associated with the burning of incense, such as rotating the sticks thrice in a clockwise direction before offering them to gods like Krishna and Rama.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religion | Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, Shinto |
| Purpose | Symbolic or sacrificial offering, air freshener, insect repellent, aid in prayer, ritual, aromatherapy, meditation, purification |
| History | Used in antiquity, origins in India in 3600 BC, used by Egyptians in 2345 BC, introduced to China with Buddhism, used in the West since the Middle Ages |
| Ingredients | Aromatic plant materials, essential oils, frankincense, myrrh, aromatic wood, bark, seeds, roots, flowers, resins |
| Colours | Yellow, red, black |
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What You'll Learn
Incense sticks in Hinduism
Incense has been used in India since 3600 BCE, and its use is prevalent in Hinduism. The burning of incense sticks is one of the stages of worship in Hinduism, out of a total of sixteen steps. The incense is offered to God in his various forms, such as Krishna and Rama. The sticks are rotated thrice in a clockwise direction during the ritual, which is known as dhupa.
Incense is also burned during prayer rituals like aarti, where the smoke is believed to symbolise the presence of the divine. The rising smoke is seen as a bridge between the human world and the heavens, carrying the prayers of the devotee to the gods. This ritual is also believed to represent human sacrifice to society. The burning of the incense stick symbolises how humans should devote themselves to the greater good of humanity.
Incense sticks are used in Hinduism to purify the surroundings and invite divine energies into the space. They are also used to cleanse the environment, ridding the area of negative energy. The therapeutic properties of incense sticks are widely appreciated, making them a cornerstone of Indian households, even beyond religious rituals. They are used during meditation and mindfulness practices to create a serene environment and enhance the overall experience.
In addition to their religious and spiritual significance, incense sticks are also used as air fresheners and insect repellents in Hinduism.
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Incense in Buddhism
Incense is used in many different religions, including Buddhism. The burning of incense is an ancient tradition, and it is thought that incense has been used in Buddhism since its introduction in China.
In Buddhism, incense is a sacred offering, and it is used to honour the Triple Gem of the Buddha, his Dharma, and the Sangha. The fragrant smoke produced by burning incense sticks symbolises the necessity of burning away negative qualities within oneself to reveal one's pure self. The aroma of incense is believed to purify the atmosphere and inspire the development of a pure mind. Incense is also thought to create a tranquil mood.
The use of incense is mentioned in the Pali Canon, scriptures that date to the life of the Buddha. In the Pali Canon, incense, flowers, food, drink, and garments are mentioned as common offerings made to a revered person as a sign of respect.
In Buddhist practice, incense is often lit from a candle flame. One standard practice is to bow to the Buddha with palms pressed together, light the incense, and then plant the unlit end into an incense bowl, typically ceramic or metal. In Asia, it is considered disrespectful to blow out the flame; instead, the incense stick may be waved to extinguish it.
There are two main types of incense stick used in Buddhism: coreless or "solid" incense, and incense with a bamboo core. Coreless incense is considered more appropriate for Buddhism as it burns away completely. However, bamboo core incense is also commonly used.
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Incense in Christianity
The use of incense in Christianity has its roots in the Old Testament. According to the Bible, God gave Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord, and it was a holy act of worship (Exodus 30). Incense was offered in the Temple during the time of Christ. The early Jewish converts to Christianity continued to incorporate incense into their worship practices.
Incense is used in Christian worship during the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, Solemn Vespers, Solemn Evensong, funerals, Benediction, and other services. It is also used in private homes by Christians who wish to create an atmosphere of churchly peace in their place of prayer.
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 virtually every service. Incense is also used by priests within the Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as in Roman Catholic tradition and some Lutheran churches.
Incense is often used as part of a purification ritual. It can also be a sign of reverence and dedication, as when the body is incensed at a funeral Mass, or when the Book of Gospels, the altar, the Easter candle, or the Blessed Sacrament are incensed.
Some Christians may be hesitant to use incense due to its association with pagan religions. However, as long as it does not lead one away from the Lord and one is secure in their faith, there is no biblical prohibition against burning incense.
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Incense in Shintoism
Incense plays an important role in Japanese culture and has done so for nearly 1500 years. It was introduced to Japan from China via Korea, alongside Buddhism, around 538 CE. The use of incense in Japan is therefore strongly associated with Buddhism, which has influenced Shintoism.
Shintoism is a very inclusive religion, and its followers are free to follow other religions and practices as long as they are happy and respectful to Japan and others. This means that, unless a member of a religious Shinto sect in which incense is banned, followers are free to use incense in their homes.
Incense is burned in Shinto shrines as a way to purify oneself and 'ask for help from the Gods'. The smoke from the incense is believed to create a 'path' or 'connection' to loved ones who have passed away, guiding them home.
The use of incense in Japan is not limited to religious practices. During the Heian Period (794-1185 CE), incense was used to perfume hair and clothes, particularly by the upper classes as a sign of refinement and good taste. Samurai warriors also used incense to perfume their armour, believing it would offer them protection in battle.
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Incense in Taoism
Incense is used in a variety of religions, including Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. In Taoism, the indigenous religion of China, the burning of incense is a quintessential practice. It transcends sects and lineages and is considered one of the "Five Offerings", along with flowers, lamps, water, and fruit.
Taoists burn incense daily at their altars to serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. The smoke from the incense is believed to carry their wishes, blessings, and prayers to the deities and spirits in the netherworld, while also getting rid of negative elements and purifying the altar. The number of incense sticks burned is symbolic and varies depending on the purpose. For instance, one incense stick can represent a one-way connection, while two can symbolise attraction or absorption, and three can signify the beginning of an interaction.
The manner in which the incense is held and the energy it is imbued with is important. The Munn 文 style, where the incense is held with the left hand using the thumb and index finger and encircled with the right hand, is used for inputting thoughts and messages. The Mo 武 method is the opposite, where commands are given or power is requested. The act of burning incense demands focus and respect, with practitioners refraining from talking or engaging in other activities while handling the incense.
The incense used in Taoist rituals is often made from the dried powdered bark of a non-scented species of cinnamon native to Cambodia, Cinnamomum cambodianum. They are generally odorless or have only a slight trace of jasmine or rose, as it is the smoke, not the scent, that is important in conveying the prayers to heaven. However, some Taoists may use highly scented incense made with large amounts of sandalwood, agarwood, or floral scents, which can be quite expensive.
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Frequently asked questions
Many religions use incense sticks in their worship, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, Shinto, and Christianity.
Incense is offered to God in his various forms, such as Krishna and Rama. Incense is rotated thrice in a clockwise direction and offered by temple priests or those with an altar in their homes.
In Chinese and Japanese Buddhist temples, incense is burned in small or large bundles. The sticks are waved or raised above the head while bowing to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors. Individual incense sticks are then placed vertically or horizontally into censers.
Incense is used in the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Churches, and some other Christian groups. It is often used as a symbol of prayer and as part of purification rituals.
