The word "incense" comes directly from the Latin
incendere, which means "to burn".
Of course when we use incense, burning it is more often than not what we do. Its purpose is to release an aroma which triggers our senses and creates within us a calm and restful mood. To this end it is widely used in rituals and ceremonies of a religious character, as well as in meditation and aromatherapy.
The practice of incense burning itself is believed to have its roots in North Africa, where the gum resins of aromatic plants were imported from Somalia for use in religious rituals. It is the combination of this plant source with essential oils from which incense derives. The ancient Egyptian pharaohs used it not only as a means of repelling unpleasant smells but also to ward off demons and thereby to please their gods. From there it is said to have spread to Greece, then to Rome, before finding its way across the entire European continent.
One very well known event at which incense was present was, of course, the Christian Nativity, when the Three Wise Men of the East brought forth gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In some European languages the word for "frankincense" covers to all forms of incense.
There is no universal recipe for the manufacture of incense. Different cultures have taken advantage of local resources, and regional variants of the product abound. Cedar and sage were once elements of preference in North America, but there is a whole range of alternatives that are popular elsewhere, including of course sandalwood. There is no "right" or "wrong" ingredient of incense, the only qualification would seem to be that it smells nice and burns slowly when it is ignited.
Where incense is sold commercially there is usually a large variety of options from which to make a choice. Different options will lay claim to different powers including the ability to nurture creativity and empowerment, and their use will induce different emotions. In fact they will often be said to invoke a different
karma. It is most commonly available in the form of
incense sticks but it can also be found stored in jars. Because of its diverse qualities it is sometimes known as
magical incense.
In some religions, notably Buddhism, the use of
incense is commonplace due to its ability to inspire an aura of calm and by so doing to assist in the process of creating spiritual and personal awareness.
Whatever form incense takes it is recognised across the world for the important part it plays in the work of healing and meditation.
