The History of Incense Traditions

A variety of cultures around the world have a tradition of burning aromatic plant matter for religious, spiritual, or purification purposes. The term “incense” typically refers to resinous woods like frankincense and myrrh, although it can also be used for essential oils and botanicals such as cinnamon or sandalwood. The purpose of these plants and substances is to release aromas that stimulate the mind to trigger positive responses in humans, such as feelings of relaxation or spiritual enlightenment.

The use of incense traditions began in the Middle East and was carried by civilizations to other parts of the world such as ancient Egypt, Babylon, and Greece — as well as China and Japan. Its popularity reached its height in the Song dynasty of the 10th to 13th centuries, when whole buildings were built for incense rituals.

During this period, incense sticks were produced using various techniques to make them burn more evenly for a longer time. The lin-xiang technique is when powdered incense ingredients are simply tossed over sticks, while nuo-xiang involves incense paste being kneaded around sticks. In addition, a process called coil incense involves pressing the materials into a flat, cylindrical shape that lies down to burn. The result is incense that lasts a long time and produces a beautiful, calming fragrance.

In the modern world, a large variety of incense is produced by hand-dipping incense blanks made from unscented combustible powder into oils or essential scents. The resulting incense is then sold as direct-burning incense at flea markets and sidewalk vendors, often with different blends for special occasions or seasons. It was also popular in the Heian period (8th to 12th century) for court nobles to concoct their own original takimono, creating a unique blend that reflected their personal style or mood at the time.

Historically, the use of incense has been a sacred part of many religions and spiritual practices such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. It was commonly used to help counteract unpleasant odors in the home or during ritual cleansing in a house of worship, and to please gods or spirits by offering them pleasant smells. Incense was used in mortuary rites as well, with balls of incense resin being found in many Egyptian tombs, signifying that the dead were ascending to heaven through fragrant smoke.

The earliest evidence of incense burning in the European world comes from the 4th century ad during Christian eucharistic ceremonies, when the use of incense became an important symbol of the ascent of the prayers and merits of saints to heaven. In the modern world, churches and other institutions still frequently use incense to provide a sense of calm and spiritual enlightenment for their members.

Another culture that has a strong tradition of using aromatic plants for spiritual and ceremonial reasons, but is not always considered an incense tradition, is the Native American culture. It is common among shamans and medicine men to burn herbs such as sage and sweet grass to purify and protect people, objects, or locations.