Katrina Rosales
The use of incense in the Catholic Church is a tradition that dates back to ancient times. The practice is rooted in the traditions of Judaism and was influenced by the use of incense in the ancient world, especially in religious rites to keep demons away. The first recorded use of incense was in the Indus Valley Civilisation in India around 3600 BC. Incense was also used in China around 2000 BC and later in Egypt during the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC). The Bible mentions incense 170 times, and it is interpreted as a symbol of the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven. In the Catholic Church, incense is used during Mass and other liturgical celebrations to create the ambiance of heaven and as a symbol of purification and sanctification.
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What You'll Learn
Incense used in ancient religious rites
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. It is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. The use of incense in religious worship predates Christianity by thousands of years. The first recorded use of incense was by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. Incense has been used in ancient religious rites across various cultures and religions.
Ancient Egypt
Incense was prominent in ancient Egyptian religious rituals. Incense-bearing trees were imported from the Arabian and Somali coasts, and incense was used in various rituals, such as the daily liturgy before the cult image of the sun god Amon-Re and in mortuary rites, where the souls of the dead were believed to ascend to heaven in the flame.
Ancient Israel
Incense was also used in ancient Israelite liturgy. The Israelites used a mixture of frankincense, storax, onycha, and galbanum, with salt added as a preservative. The use of incense in Jewish temple worship continued well after the establishment of Christianity and influenced the Catholic Church's use of incense in liturgical celebrations.
Ancient Greece and Rome
In ancient Greece, incense was associated with goddesses and nymphs and was believed to heighten sexual desires and attraction. In ancient Rome, fragrant woods were replaced by imported incense, which became important in public and private sacrifices and in the cult of the emperor.
Hinduism
Incense has been used in Hinduism for centuries. In India, incense has been a part of daily ritual worship, where it is offered to various forms of God, such as Krishna and Rama. The Benzoin resin and resin obtained from the Commiphora wightii tree were traditionally used as incense in ancient India.
Buddhism
Incense holds an invaluable role in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and rites. In Buddhist temples, the inner spaces are scented with thick coiled incense, and worshippers burn sticks of incense in small or large bundles while praying to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors.
Taoism and Shinto
Incense is also used in Chinese Taoist temples and Japanese Shinto shrines for the deity Inari Okami or the Seven Lucky Gods. The sticks of incense are placed horizontally into censers on top of the ash. The formula and scent of the incense sticks used in various temples throughout Asia can vary widely.
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The Bible and its influence
The use of incense is mentioned throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the Gospel of Luke, and is often associated with prayer and the relationship between God and humanity. Incense was considered sacred and was used in religious rituals and offerings to God.
In the Old Testament, the book of Exodus provides instructions for making incense:
> "Take for yourself spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense; there shall be an equal part of each. With it, you shall make incense, a perfume, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy." (Exodus 30:34-35)
The incense was to be burned in the morning and evening, along with offerings and sacrifices, as a way to worship and honour God. The book of Leviticus highlights the importance of proper use of incense, with severe consequences for misuse, as shown in the case of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who died due to improper worship involving incense (Leviticus 10:1-2).
The Bible also mentions specific individuals, such as Moses and Aaron, who were instructed to use incense in their religious practices. In one instance, Moses directed Korah and his company to stand at the doorway of the tent of meeting with firepans and censers filled with incense (Numbers 16). Additionally, Aaron and his sons, who were priests, were responsible for burning fragrant incense before the Lord (Exodus 30:7-8).
Moving to the New Testament, the Gospel of Luke showcases a shift in tradition regarding the use of incense. While the Old Testament reserved the offering of incense for the high priest, Luke reveals that ordinary priests were also permitted to perform this ritual. This change is exemplified by Zechariah, who was chosen by lot to place incense on the altar while the people prayed outside (Luke 1:9-10). As the incense rose, an angel delivered a message to Zechariah, foretelling the birth of his son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-16).
Incense, therefore, holds symbolic significance in the Bible, representing the act of prayer and the connection between God and His people. This symbolism is further emphasised by David's words in Psalm 141:2, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."
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Incense in the Mass
The use of incense in the Mass is a tradition that dates back to ancient times, with the first recorded use of incense by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation around 3600 BC. The practice later spread to other parts of Asia and was also used in ancient Egypt and China. The use of incense in religious rituals was prevalent in the ancient world, especially among the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians, according to the Greek historian Herodotus.
In the Catholic Church, the use of incense holds symbolic and liturgical significance. The smoke from burning incense is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, as mentioned in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as an evening sacrifice." The visual imagery of the smoke and the fragrance reinforce the transcendence of the Mass, creating a connection between Heaven and Earth and allowing the congregation to enter the presence of God.
During the Mass, the priest blesses the incense with a prayer, invoking St. Michael the Archangel. The blessed incense is then placed on hot coals in a thurible, a type of censer, and swung towards the bread and wine offered for the Eucharist, the consecrated Eucharist, the Gospel during its proclamation, the clergy, and the congregation, among other objects and individuals.
The use of incense in the Mass has evolved over time, with its inclusion in various rituals and processions. By the 11th century, incense was used at the offertory, and by the 12th century, it was incorporated into the Introit. In the 13th century, incense became a part of the Benedictus and Magnificat during Lauds and Vespers, and by the 14th century, it was used for the exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The practice of incensing the celebrant and assisting clergy was also gradually introduced.
The specific blends of incense used in Catholic Masses vary, but they often include frankincense and myrrh, symbolising the birth and foreshadowing the death of Jesus Christ. These blends can be found in Catholic stores or by contacting local church offices.
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Incense as a symbol of purification
The use of incense in Catholicism is rooted in the traditions of Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple. It is also inspired by passages in the Bible, such as 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 as part of a purification ritual. In the Book of Revelation, incense symbolises the prayers of the saints in heaven, with the smoke of burning incense interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This is also reflected in the practice of the Chaldean Rite of the Catholic Church, where those preparing to receive Holy Communion during the Holy Qurbono first purify their hands by holding them above a bowl of burning incense.
The smoke and fragrance of incense are believed to sanctify and purify, symbolising the prayers of the faithful and connecting their worship on earth with the worship of heaven. This is further reinforced by the visual imagery and smell of the incense smoke, which is believed to transcend the Mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing the presence of God to be felt.
The use of incense in Catholic liturgies is symbolic and theological in nature, with nothing being superfluous or "just for show". It serves as an outward sign of spiritual realities, such as the removal of sin, and is believed to drive away evil spirits and please the gods, as seen in the New Age practice of "smudging".
Incense is also used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images, although its use is optional and may vary depending on the priest and parish.
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The trade of incense
Incense has been used in religious contexts for thousands of years, with the first recorded use taking place in the Indus Valley Civilisation in India around 3600 BC. From there, the use of incense spread to China, Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Jews also incorporated incense into their religious practices. The Bible mentions incense 170 times, and it is noted in the Talmud as well. In the ancient world, incense was believed to ward off demons.
The use of incense in Christian worship was likely influenced by its longstanding role in Jewish temple worship. The practice of burning incense is referenced in the Bible, with Psalm 141 (140), verse 2 stating: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice." The smoke of burning incense is interpreted by the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of prayer rising to heaven.
Today, incense continues to be used in Catholic liturgical celebrations, where it holds symbolic and ritualistic significance. The "smells and bells" are considered an important part of the multisensory experience of Catholic worship.
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Frequently asked questions
The first recorded use of incense was in 3600 BC by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation.
The smoke from burning incense is interpreted by the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of prayer rising to heaven. Incense is also used as part of a purification ritual.
Most of the time, it is a resin blend. Sometimes, it is just frankincense and myrrh.
The Bible mentions incense 170 times. 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 evening sacrifice."
The priest blesses the incense with a prayer and a sign of the cross. The incense is then burned in a thurible and swung towards what or who is being censed.
