INCENSE INFORMATION

Though not many people over the age of five would ask the question, “What is incense?”, as most people have experienced incense directly or at least have a general understanding of what it is, this article aims to specifically define incense as a starting point to learn more about it.

“Incense” can refer to any substance that produces a pleasant fragrance when burned or to the actual perfume or smoke arising from such a substance when burned. The word “incense” can also be used as a verb meaning “to perfume with incense” or “to burn or offer incense”. The root of the word can be traced back to the Latin “incensus”, which means “to sacrifice” or “to burn”. The word has a very long history because the practice of burning natural substances to produce a pleasing aroma goes back thousands of years, and it stems from a word meaning “sacrifice” because the burning of incense has its roots in many religious ceremonies.

An array of incense sticks burning in a pot of ash

Any natural material that is originated from living organisms and produces a pleasing aroma when burned can be considered incense. With modern technology, some man-made synthetic compounds can also be used as incense, though most incense enthusiasts and purists prefer the scent and other properties of natural incense.

Besides its common use in religious ceremonies and spiritual rites, incense is also used in medicine and for its aesthetic values. Many people believe incense to have healing powers and anti-carcinogenic properties, though there is no scientific proof of this. Still many other people just enjoy the sensory delights of the many different smells that can be produced with incense.

Many cultures throughout the world use incense for various different reasons. Different regions of the world have their own types and blends of incense, as well as unique ways of producing and making the incense. The long history of incense, the many regional variations, and the advances in technology and manufacturing have all contributed to the huge selection of incense varieties and forms that we have today.