Heidi Norton
Incense is an integral part of Japanese culture, with a history that dates back nearly 1500 years. The burning of incense in Japan began during the 6th century with the introduction of Buddhism, which uses incense during rituals and ceremonies. Incense is used for a variety of purposes, including Buddhist ceremonies, spirituality, and meditation. The two major types of incense in Japan are either heating or smouldering small pieces of fragrant wood, or direct-burning incense in the form of sticks or cones formed out of paste without a bamboo stick. Incense is also used in Japanese homes, where it is believed that burning incense at small household shrines can help people communicate with their ancestors.
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What You'll Learn
Incense is used in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies
Incense burning is a universal ritual in Buddhism, with different types of Buddhism using incense in varying ways. Incense is burned at altars and shrines to purify the space and create a tranquil and sacred atmosphere. Buddhists may also burn incense as an offering to the Buddha, with three sticks burned together to represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Buddha's teachings, and the Buddhist monk community.
In Japan, the use of incense in rituals and ceremonies was introduced alongside Buddhism in the 6th century during the Asuka period. Zen Buddhists used incense in their temples during ceremonies and prayer, and the custom soon spread to the nobility. Today, incense is still used in Buddhist rituals in Japan, with companies like Nippon Kodo, Shoyeido, and Baieido being major suppliers.
The Japanese art of appreciating incense is called Kōdō, or "Way of Fragrance," and involves specialized pottery, utensils, containers, trays, incense holders, vases, tongs, brushes, and cabinets. Participants follow established practices, such as incense-comparing games, where they take turns smelling incense and guessing its material.
Japanese incense is typically made from agarwood, sandalwood, tree bark powder, and other aromatics. Agarwood is imported from various regions, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, and is graded based on its origin and properties. The incense is usually burned with the stick upright, and its scent is subtle and less smoky compared to Indian or Chinese incense.
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Incense is burned at family shrines for the dead
Incense holds a significant place in Japanese culture, with its use dating back to the 6th century and the introduction of Buddhism. It is an integral part of Buddhist ceremonies, spirituality, and meditation. The burning of incense is believed to facilitate communication with the dead, and Japanese households often have small shrines to honour their ancestors.
The word for incense in Japanese, "kō" or "ko", translates to "fragrance" or "to smell", reflecting the importance of scent in Japanese culture. Incense is typically made from fragrant woods like agarwood and sandalwood, which are ground into a paste, shaped into sticks or cones, and then dried. The sticks are burned upright in a special holder or bowl, filling the space with a subtle and pleasant aroma.
In the context of family shrines for the dead, incense plays a crucial role in ancestral worship. Each family member lights their own incense stick and places it at the shrine to burn. The belief is that the spirit of the deceased can smell the incense, and when it is completely burned, it signifies that the spirit has finished feasting with the family. This ritual is an essential aspect of honouring and connecting with their ancestors.
The type of incense used can vary, and Japanese incense companies categorise agarwood incense by its region of origin and unique properties. Some of the most valuable and expensive incense is made with agarwood from Vietnam, known as "kyara". This grade of incense has a high oil content and an exceptional fragrance, making it highly prized.
The art of appreciating incense, known as "kōdō", involves established practices and rituals surrounding the preparation and enjoyment of incense. It is considered one of the classical arts of refinement in Japan, though it is less prevalent among modern Japanese people. Nevertheless, the burning of incense remains an important tradition, connecting the past and present, and continues to be an integral part of Japanese cultural and spiritual practices.
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Incense is used for meditation and spirituality
The use of incense for meditation and spirituality in Japan has a long history, dating back to the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century during the Asuka period. Incense has played a significant role in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies, and its use has evolved over the centuries, becoming an integral part of Japanese culture.
During the Nara period (710-794 AD), the Imperial Court adopted incense for personal use, not only for purification but also as a symbol of high culture. The practice of burning incense, particularly fragrant woods like agarwood, aloeswood, and sandalwood mixed with herbs, became popular among the nobility, who used it to perfume their clothes, hair, and homes.
The "Way of Incense" or Kōdō, developed during the Muromachi period (1392-1573), further elevated the significance of incense in Japanese culture. Kōdō is considered one of the classical Japanese arts of refinement, alongside the Way of Flowers (Kadō) and the Way of Tea (Chadō or Sadō). It involves a formal conduct in appreciating incense, with specific rituals and utensils, such as the incense burner (Kōro) and various boxes for storing incense wood.
Incense is believed to enhance spiritual experiences and is often used during meditation. The aroma of incense is thought to promote relaxation, calmness, and focus, making it an ideal aid for meditation practices. The burning of incense can also be used to mark the passage of time during meditation, with short sticks lasting about 25 minutes and long sticks lasting about 45 minutes.
The choice of burner and the quality of the incense wood are important aspects of the overall experience. Different types of burners, made from materials like ceramic, metal, or wood, can control the airflow and intensity of the burning incense. Agarwood, for example, is considered a high-quality incense wood, with one particular grade, kyara, valued more than its weight in gold.
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Incense is used to ward off mosquitoes, flies and other pests
Incense is a well-known mosquito repellent, but it can also be used to ward off other flying pests and bugs. The combined scent and smoke of incense work effectively to deter unwanted insects. The benefit of using incense is that it provides a pleasant aroma while also keeping pests at bay, without having to apply synthetic chemicals and poisons to your skin.
Citronella is one of the most popular and well-known types of mosquito-repelling incense. Citronella incense sticks are often designed for outdoor use, as they are thicker and burn for several hours, making them ideal for camping, hiking, or fishing trips. However, some people have found citronella incense to be ineffective and odourless. In addition to sticks, citronella candles and torches are also said to be effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Other types of incense that can be used to ward off mosquitoes include peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, sandalwood, rosemary, cinnamon, and clove. Some of these scents, such as lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and cinnamon, can also help to keep flies away. Flies do not like strong smells, so deep scents such as mint, sage, and basil are recommended.
While incense is a great option for a more pleasant way to ward off pests, it may not always be effective, especially outdoors where it is vulnerable to wind and other outside forces. Therefore, it is recommended to use extra protection if you plan on spending a lot of time outside in areas with many mosquitoes.
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Incense is used in Japanese art, poetry and fashion
The burning of incense in Japan began during the 6th century (the Asuka period) with the introduction of Buddhism and its use in rituals and ceremonies. Agarwood, one of the main ingredients used in Japanese incense, was first imported into Japan from China via Korea during this period. From then on, incense became an integral part of Japanese culture and was used for various purposes, including Buddhist ceremonies, spirituality, and meditation.
Art
Incense is not only used in ceremonies and rituals but is also appreciated as an art form in Japan. Kōdō (Way of Incense) is the Japanese art of appreciating incense, similar to the tea ceremony. Participants follow established practices involving the preparation and enjoyment of incense, using various tools (kōdōgu) that are considered high art. Incense-comparing games, such as kumikō and genjikō, are also part of the art of incense appreciation. During the Muromachi period (1392–1573), the etiquette of "the way of incense" developed alongside the tea ceremony, and incense games connected with poetry or literary classics became fashionable.
Poetry
Incense games, which often involved comparing different types of incense wood, were often associated with poetry or literary classics such as The Tale of Genji. With the rise of woodblock printing in the Edo period, literary forms such as novels and poetry became more accessible to the urban middle classes (chōnin). Incense, or the incense game, was also depicted on woodblock prints (surimono) and sometimes in the context of Kabuki theater.
Fashion
Incense and decorative crests associated with incense games appeared on kimono designs and screens, as well as applied art objects. Incense burner designs, such as the akoda-kōro (a lacquer incense burner in the shape of a pumpkin), were also created. Incense game sets became part of the wedding trousseau of provincial warrior families (daimyo), and with the rise of the merchant class in the mid-Edo period, incense games became even more widespread.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense has been an important part of Japanese culture for nearly 1,500 years. It was introduced to Japan by Zen Buddhists in the 6th century, who used it in their temples during ceremonies and prayer.
Traditional Japanese incense is made from agarwood, sandalwood, tree bark powder, and other aromatics. Agarwood is the most expensive and valuable type of incense wood. It can be worth more than its weight in gold.
Incense is usually burned with the incense stick upright in a bowl or on a special stand. Angling the incense can make it burn slower.
