Heidi Norton
The use of drums and incense in church services is a topic that has been widely discussed and debated. Drums and incense have been incorporated into religious practices across various cultures and religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Shintoism, and ancient Egyptian and Indian civilizations. Incense, with its aromatic smoke, is believed to symbolize purification and sanctification, while drums provide rhythmic accompaniment to worship and ceremonies. The specific use of these elements varies among different denominations and parishes, with some embracing their inclusion and others forgoing their use.
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What You'll Learn
Incense in Christian worship
Incense has been used in 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. The use of incense in Christian worship is believed to have originated in the Jewish tradition of the time of the Second Jewish Temple.
The smoke from the burning incense is interpreted by both the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayers 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 hand, as the evening sacrifice". The use of incense in Christian worship is also rooted in the belief that it serves as a means of sanctifying and purifying.
Incense is used in Christian worship at the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, in particular at Solemn Vespers, at Solemn Evensong, at funerals, benediction and exposition of the Eucharist, the consecration of a church or altar, and at other services. 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.
The types of incense used in churches can vary, but the most commonly used are frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is derived from the Boswellia tree's resin and is known for its warm, spicy, and slightly citrusy aroma. Myrrh, sourced from the Commiphora species, offers a more earthy, slightly sweet, and smoky scent. In some churches, additional ingredients like onycha, styrax, and various aromatic herbs may be included. The specific scent can vary based on the precise formulation of the incense used in different churches.
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Incense in Catholic 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. The Egyptians during the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC) were the first in the non-Asian world to discover the use of incense, which was used by Hindus for centuries by the time of the 5th Dynasty. The use of incense in the ancient world was common, especially in religious rites where it was used to keep demons away.
Incense is used in Christian worship at the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, in particular at Solemn Vespers, Solemn Evensong, funerals, 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 virtually every service.
The Catholic Church's use of incense today is a reminder of the time of Moses and ancient Israel, who witnessed the "miraculous and stupefying face of God". The use of incense in Catholic Mass adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell remind us of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing us to enter into the presence of God. The sweet scent of burning incense helps create an atmosphere of tranquillity, serenity, and sacredness, enhancing the worship experience and promoting a sense of connection with the divine.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states that incense may be used during the entrance procession; at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar; at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel; at the offertory, to incense the offerings, altar, priest, and people; and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration. The priest may also incense the crucifix and the Paschal candle. During funeral Masses, the priest may incense the coffin as a sign of honour to the body of the deceased and as a sign of the faithful's prayers for the deceased rising to God.
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Incense in Buddhist ceremonies
The use of incense in Buddhist ceremonies is an ancient practice that is almost universally carried out in all schools of Buddhism. Incense is burned to commemorate various occasions, such as funerals, special ceremonies, daily prayers, and warding off bad luck. It is believed to purify the space used for meditation, creating a tranquil and serene mood. The burning of incense is also used as a meditation timer, with some manufacturers providing estimated burn times.
There are two main types of incense: direct burning and indirect burning. Direct-burning incense can be lit with a flame and immediately blown out, leaving a glowing ember that slowly burns while emitting a smoky fragrance. This type of incense will continue to burn until it is completely burned up or submerged in water, sand, or dirt. The majority of people are more familiar with direct-burning incense as they are generally easier to use. Most direct-burning incense is of the cored stick variety, which is usually made by covering a bamboo stick with a thick coating of incense paste and fragrance.
Indirect-burning incense, also known as loose incense, cannot burn on its own and requires a separate heat source such as charcoal or embers. This type of incense is usually burned in a small brazier or a simple box filled with ash or sand. To make an offering, one would bow with palms together, touch a pinch of loose incense to their forehead, and then drop the incense onto the burning charcoal.
In Buddhist temples, the inner spaces are often scented with thick coiled incense hung from the ceiling or on special stands. Worshippers light and burn sticks of incense in bundles, which they wave or raise above their heads while bowing to statues or plaques of a deity or ancestor. In most temples, sandalwood is used for incense, while some also use herbal incenses as a medicinal remedy.
While the use of incense is not unique to Buddhism, with many other religions incorporating it into their practices, it holds an invaluable role in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and rites.
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Incense in Shinto shrines
Incense burning has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, with the practice dating back to the Asuka period (538 CE). It was introduced to Japan through Buddhism and has been used for various purposes, including religious ceremonies and personal enjoyment.
In the context of Shinto shrines, incense holds significance as well. Visitors to these shrines burn incense to purify themselves and to seek divine assistance. This practice is believed to create a path or connection to the divine, allowing individuals to communicate with the transcendent and request guidance.
However, the relationship between incense and Shintoism has not always been straightforward. Historically, there was a time when the use of incense in Shinto homes was banned. This occurred due to the association of incense with death and the dead in Buddhism, which was considered unclean and disrespectful in Shintoism.
Despite this previous conflict, modern interpretations of Shintoism have led some to appreciate the calming scent and effects of incense, believing that the kami (deities in Shintoism) also enjoy it. This shift in perspective highlights the dynamic nature of religious beliefs and practices, which can evolve over time.
Today, incense continues to play a role in Shinto shrines, with its scent contributing to the spiritual atmosphere of these places of worship. The practice of burning incense in Shinto shrines showcases the interplay between tradition and evolving cultural influences, shaping the religious landscape of Japan.
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Incense in Taoist temples
Incense is an integral part of Taoist rituals and has been used in China since the Neolithic period. It is believed to embody purity, reverence, and connection to the divine. The use of incense in Taoist temples varies depending on temple status, regional customs, and historical factors.
High temples, often associated with the state, use rare and costly incense materials like agarwood and sandalwood, imported through the Silk Road. These premium incense sticks are made by coating thin sticks with powdered incense. On the other hand, low temples, rooted in folk traditions, use simpler, more accessible incense made from local herbs and woods. An example of this is powdered incense, which is sprinkled onto burning charcoal to create an intense, fragrant smoke. This type of incense is often used in divination practices, where priests interpret the smoke patterns as messages from the divine.
The burning of incense in Taoist temples serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it symbolises the Taoist belief in the cyclical nature of existence, with the fragrant smoke rising towards the heavens representing the fusion of yin and yang—the transformation from material to immaterial, and earthly to spiritual. Secondly, it embodies the Five Elements integral to Taoist cosmology: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Lastly, incense is used to commemorate various occasions such as funerals, special ceremonies, daily prayers, ancestor veneration, and warding off bad luck.
The practice of burning incense in Taoist temples also has a rich history. During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), incense became formalised within Taoist rites, and by the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), it received imperial support. The demand for incense increased during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), leading to merchants and monasteries trading large quantities of high-quality incense materials from Southeast Asia.
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Frequently asked questions
I could not find specific churches that use drums. However, some sources mention that drums are used in Catholic Church masses. It is also mentioned that drums are used in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa.
Incense is used in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches, Anglican churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic churches, and Greek Orthodox Church. Incense is also used in Catholic Church masses.
Incense is used in churches to symbolise the purification and sanctification of the ceremony. It is also used to create an atmosphere of tranquillity and sacredness.
