Religious Uses For Burning Incense

Egyptians worshipped Ra at sunrise, midday and sunset with differing types of incense. Plutarch, the Greek philosopher, said that not only did the incense have mystical properties, but that those that made the offering received a mild physiological effect of some sort. One of the most common subjects carved or painted inside the temples of Egypt is that of a Pharaoh whom is typically performing the worship of some deity and offering a censer in one hand and incense in the other. One of the best-known examples of such artwork can be found on the Sphinx at Gizeh, which shows Tethmosis IV making an offering of incense and wine to the sun god Ra. The tablet to the left shows the Pharaoh Akhenaten making an offering to the sun god Aten. (Image by ting0308. Used under Creative Commons license).

It is interesting to note that the Egyptians also used charcoal filled braziers on which they burnt incense to warm their homes during cold winter months, and would occasionally swing an incense burning censer around their heads, via a chain, in order to refresh themselves during the heat of summer.

Monuments found in the ancient Persian city of Persepolis indicate that the Persian priests burnt incense on their altars several times daily.

Hindus employ the use of incense in the worship of gods and the burning of incense is a common practice in the Buddhist temples in Tibet, China, Japan and India.

Incense was used in the Turkish rituals of circumcision, virginity, and bismillah (the teaching of the Name of God). During marriage ceremonies incense was burned to ward off evil spirits. During funeral ceremonies it was used as a guide for the fleeing spirit of the dead person.

The Romans were known to use incense frequently, both as a part of religious ceremony and at state functions such as victory celebrations. It was also an important part of daily private lives and public sacrifices.

It has often been argued whether or not early Christians employed incense in their religious rites. It was sometimes either associated with non-Christian practices or seen as an unnecessary addition to existing rituals. However, the more utilitarian use of removing unwanted smells appears to have been recognized early on in non-religious settings.

As man became more discerning about their spirituality, incense became more of a symbolic part of prayer and ritual, and less of a mystical component. It did become a part, at least to a degree, in Christian practices. The earliest mention of its incorporation appears to have been with its involvement in Communion, and then later in censers swung through the church prior to the arrival of a Bishop or Cardinal.

The Roman Church uses incense regularly during high mass, consecrations of churches, in processions, and at exhibitions of relics. The Church of England, on several occasions, attempted to make it illegal to use incense for religious purposes.

Incense is waved over the casket of Pope John
Paul II during funeral services in the Vatican’s
St. Peter’s Basilica April 8, 2005.

Pagans and wiccans often use incense as a representation of the element of air in their rituals.

Modern Day Usage of Incense

The belief that incense possesses mystical properties has greatly faded, especially in the West, although not until relatively recently. In 1968, the Bell-Book & Candle Incense Company was taken to court over their incense and other products marketed under the name of Success Formula No. 7. Apparently, according to their advertising, the products possessed the supernatural or mystic power to assure the purchaser of the achievement of success. The court ultimately determined that these marketing claims were fraudulent.

More commonly incense is now used for its ability to mask smells in the home. For example, incense can be used to cover up the smell of pets that live within a household, as well as cooking smells, tobacco smoke, and other unpleasant odors.

Incense is also often used as an atmosphere enhancer and to create relaxing and soothing environments. It is said that Napoleon Bonaparte was a big user for this purpose. The ability for incense to create a sense of relaxation is most likely attributable to the presence of a pleasant scent, instead of any specific properties contained within the smoke. Users are likely to gravitate toward scents that they find agreeable and enjoyable, hence enhancing the effect. In this manner, incense can be seen as an accessory to life, just as perfume can be seen as an accessory to attire.

During the celebrations of the Day of the Dead, incense is burned throughout cemeteries and towns in Mexico.

Strangely, the US Department of Energy suggests that incense sticks can be used to help locate air leaks or drafts in a house. When using the incense sticks, the wavering of the smoke caused by moving air can help determine where air may be coming into or out of a house.

Health Risks related to burning incense

Studies that examined the emissions of specific contaminants from incense smoke indicated that benzene and carbon monoxide might be emitted at concentrations that could pose health risks. Several studies indicated links between exposure to incense smoke and health effects, such as cancer, asthma, and contact dermatitis. Some studies indicated possible mutagenic and genotoxic effects.

And if you are now too scared to burn your incense for fear of getting cancer, and you have some music talent, here’s an alternative use for your excess sticks.

Do you get something different out of burning incense? If so, what does burning incense do for you?

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