Yoga and Meditation

Incense has been used for thousands of years for various purposes, usually in a spiritual context. During religious rituals, worshippers would burn sticks of fragrant smoke as ritual purification, meditation or even for masking bad odors. Real incense is composed only of natural materials such as barks, tree resins and flowers. Occasionally materials derived from animals are used as well, such as musk from the glandular secretions of deer.

The word incense is the Latin form of “to burn”. There are two kinds of incense, direct burning and indirect burning. The latter cannot burn on its own and requires a separate heat source. It comes in granulated, oil or paste form and placed directly on top of coals. Direct burning incense has a flame applied to light it, and is then fanned out and left to smolder. It comes in the form of sticks, cones, coils and pyramids.

Using indirect burning incense such as essential oils will produce a more intense scent than indirect, however it does not last as long during the burn. This whole, raw incense is quite commonly used in Asian religious ceremonies. A ground paste is mixed with dried fruit or honey to make small pellets. Japan, Lebanon and many Arab nations use incense that has been kneaded with a soft resin, then dried and allowed to mature. The pellets are placed directly over hot coals and allowed to smolder as long as the coals do.

Direct burning incense is the most widely used in North America, but also all over Asia, South America and the Middle East. Its production begins with a raw paste which is either applied to a very thin bamboo stick, formed into a cone or coil and allowed to dry. Since the incense is fully dried, it burns independently when a flame has been applied to it. In China the incense coil is quite commonly used, especially for spiritual purposes in temples and monasteries. It can last for many hours, or sometimes days, with the same quantity of fragrance being emitted the whole time it is lit. Cones are not quite as popular as sticks, but they are still common. The small hard cone stands only a half an inch high, but it can wield the same amount of scent as a stick. Unfortunately the cone lasts the least amount of time of any form of direct burning incense.

Of the direct burning stick incense varieties, there are two forms: cored stick and solid stick. The cored stick is as described above, with a slim bamboo stick in the middle. The cored stick may sound like a bit of a rip-off, but in reality it can offer another dimension of aroma if the bamboo stick has already been scented with sandalwood. They are quite popular in India, China and North America, sometimes called Joss sticks. The solid stick direct burning incense has its benefits too. As it is solid incense with no core, it is easily broken up into portions for specific periods of time. Those in Japan and Tibet prefer solid stick incense over cored stick incense.

The longevity of some forms of incense has come in very handy throughout history. In times before electricity and refrigeration, incense was a necessity during funerary ceremonies. The strong and long lasting fragrance could easily smother the scent of decomposition. In times and places of religious pilgrimage, incense was an ideal cover up for the odiferous pilgrims who had no means or opportunity to bathe during their long and grimy journey.

On a more practical note, direct burning incense was used as a means of telling time. During the Song Dynasty in China and Japan an incense clock came into popular use. Sticks of incense were made in a specifically calibrated manner to measure minutes, hours and days. There were sensors positioned in such a way that bells rung when the incense burned down to a particular point. Incense clocks used in private homes were usually much smaller than those in royal palaces, which were sometimes as large as desk.

So the question remains: cone, stick or oil? The answer really depends upon the intended use. If the idea is just to spread a pleasant scent around the house, then a cored stick would be the right choice. It will burn slowly and emit fragrance equally throughout the burning process. If there is a harsh odor to mask, then indirect burning oil or paste would be best. It may not burn as long, but the fragrance will be much stronger and more likely to cover up the undesirable odor. We know the history of incense is deeply rooted in spiritual worship. And because of all the unique demands of each world religion, incense has been pressed and formed into many varied shapes, consistencies, and scents. Before choosing cone, stick or oil, consider where and how you intend to use it.

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Historians and anthropologists believe the Incense Road of Antiquity flourished between the 3rd century BCE and began to decline after the 2nd century CE. In general, the incense trade route stretched from the Mediterranean to Egypt, Arabia and on to India. Before the Greco-Romans started bypassing Incense Road, it was the main channel for trading goods of high value such as Indian spices, ebony and silk. Even rare woods from East Africa were carried along this route, as well as feathers and gold.

According to historian Himanshu Ray, South Arabia and the Horn of Africa were the chief sources of incense during the heyday of the Incense Route of Antiquity. Both texts and ancient frescos show evidence of traders bringing incense to the Nile around 1500 BCE. As the trade route evolved, new substances for ritual incense use were discovered. For example Yemen was already a prominent city for trade, but the frankincense and myrrh trees growing there were highly valued. Traders from all over Arabia sought the trees but it was the rulers of Yemen that valued them the most. Perhaps because of the commerce the trees brought, or maybe for their religious rituals. Either way the frankincense and myrrh trees kept the Red Sea portion of the Incense Road busy.

One of the most important points along the land route of the Incense Road was Gerrha, now identified as Uqair in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea. As an aside, the high salt content of the Red Sea meant there were no traditional building materials available. So residents built their homes using large blocks of salt. If repairs were needed, salt water was the ‘glue’. In any case, Gerrha was well placed as a trading point for commodities, particularly aromatic goods from India. The location opened the door to the Mediterranean and controlled everything that flowed into Babylon during the first century BCE.

Inevitably the world powers of the era fought over control of the Incense Road of Antiquity. Nations were invaded, conquered or destroyed. Trade suffered during the battles between opposing sides and slowly a middleman capable of bypassing the warring armies began to emerge. The Nabateans (a people from what is now Jordan and northern Arabia) and the Roman Empire fought like cats and dogs while the South Arabs slipped in between them and demanded exorbitant fees for safe transport of cargos to the other side. However it was not long before a direct sea route across the Erythraen Sea (Arabian Sea) began being used to avoid the greed of the middlemen.

The act of bypassing the land portion of the Incense Road meant the Grecian Empire was now trading directly with India; the same was true for Rome and Egypt. An important contributor to the decline in Arabian influence on the Incense Road was the fall of the Sabaen Kingdom in Southwestern Arabia, leaving a large hole in commerce. Of course, no nation hesitated in filling that void, thus imports of cinnamon and pepper between India and Egypt increased dramatically.

Like any industrial boom, the incense trade experienced a historical period of ‘bust’ in the 3rd century CE. Every major nation or kingdom was experiencing significant political or economic trials. According to historian Gary Keith, commercial declines brought the Incense Road of Antiquity to a standstill. Yemen had relied very heavily on funds from the sale of their frankincense and myrrh trees, so after the halt of the Incense Road they turned to exporting coffee. It wasn’t until the 6th century CE that a four-pronged leadership group emerged to manage the trade route. Now aromatics seemed to reach as far as Spain where the Archbishop of Spain began to document their names and religious use.

In November of 2000 CE, UNESCO declared the Frankincense Trail in Oman as an official World Heritage Site. The citation outlined by the World Heritage Committee states that the trees, oasis and ports of the region are vivid illustrations of the trade that flourished in the ancient world. In 2005 four Nabatean towns were added to the World Heritage list as they exhibit sophisticated architecture, engineering and construction from an ancient time and during an important era of trade history. Knowing the incense we use in our religious houses and homes has such a long and dramatic history makes the aroma of each variety seem so much more significant. One can almost see the primitive caravans traversing the Arabian desserts loaded down with incense, spices and gold.

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Of the five human senses, smell is said to be the most powerful and evocative of them all. Different scents have the potential to bring about intense memory recall, emotional and mental arousal, and an overall feel of sheer delight. It also has the power to provoke utter contempt or physical queasiness.

Medical research has shown that some scents have a greater capacity to stir an emotional response than seeing a photograph or hearing a voice. For instance, if you were to smell the same perfume your mother wears in a department store, you would feel more connected to her then by looking at her picture. Conversely, an offensive odor like gasoline or the spray of a skunk may trigger a negative physical and psychological reaction.

It’s no wonder then that the “smell good” industry is a booming business. Just think about it — aromatherapy, candles, sprays, colognes, carpet fresheners and sticks of incense are all designed to create a certain atmosphere, elevate the mood, or just make life seem a little brighter. How many TV commercials are devoted to the promotion of products that produce an aroma of some kind? And it’s no wonder — people love things that smell lovely and delicious.

Of all the merchandise available on the scent market, incense is by far the most interesting option, as it comes with a rich history and an element of mystique. Most would agree that burning incense generates feelings that do not accompany a scented candle or an air freshener. In fact, many would say that incense not only omits an intoxicating fragrance, it brings with it a spiritual connotation or metaphysical significance.

The word incense comes from the Latin word “incendere” which means “to burn.” Incense is typically made of aromatic plant material and is often combined with essential oils. When burned, it releases a sweet-smelling smoke.

The way incense has been packaged and “consumed” has changed over time with advances in technology and the changing needs of those who enjoy burning incense. Today, the main types of incense can generally be separated into two classifications - direct and indirect burning. Indirect burning requires an independent heat source since it cannot burn itself. Direct burning incense is lit directly by a flame which is blown out. A glowing ember will cause the incense to burn itself, smolder and release the desired fragrance. Examples of direct burning incense are incense sticks and cones.

The term “incense” refers to the substance itself, rather than the odor it generates. Incense has been used for thousands of years in a variety of cultures for many different reasons. It has been burned in religious ceremonies; it has been used for ritual purification and it has even been employed in medical practices. And there are those who burn incense simply because they appreciate the smell of a wafting stick of incense.

Historians believe the use of incense began in Ancient Egypt, where the resins from trees were imported from the Arabian coasts to be used in religious ceremonies by the Pharoahs. Archeologists have uncovered evidence of incense in ancient civilizations in nearly every time period since. It was used frequently in Mesopotamia, India, Greece and Rome, and is also mentioned in ancient texts, including the Old and New Testaments and the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, which predated the Torah.

Many believe certain aromas have beneficial effects on mind, body and soul. Lavender, for example, is associated with having a calming effect, just as rosemary and sage are fragrant herbs said to calm a hyperactive child. Using these fragrances as herbal remedies in the form of burning incense is said to have been adapted from traditional Native American practices.

Incense used for religious ritual was further developed in China and was eventually adopted by Korea, Japan and Vietnam as a viable way to practice spirituality. Incense still plays an exclusive role in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies as well as in those of Chinese Taoist and Japanese Shinto shrines. It is also used in conjunction with yoga and tai-chi.

The use of incense in Christian tradition dates back to its early beginnings. It even made in appearance in one of the most revered stories of all time - the birth of the baby Jesus. Remember, gold, frankincense and myrrh? The use of incense still serves as an important function in the church, a practice rich with symbolism. This is seen in Psalm 141, “Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as evening sacrifice.” Its purifying fragrance represents virtue. Its rising smoke represents the prayers of the congregation rising towards God as a sweet sacrificial offering. It is an integral part of any traditional Catholic Mass and used by many other Christian denominations.

While the history of incense may span centuries, incense itself has rolled with the times and shows no sign of decline in popularity. People all over the world continue to partake in the burning of incense and are content to treasure it as one of life’s simple pleasures.

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Incense comes in a variety of forms and is used throughout the world for a variety of applications. For many people, they will have a particular affinity for a certain type of incense. In a way, your choice of incense will largely depend on what you are using it for. For people who are purchasing incense for no particular reason other than that they enjoy the aroma of it, it is personal preference for a particular scent that will often be the deciding factor. It is similar to selecting and buying perfume. Here are a few tips to find the incense that will be ideal for you.

Become Familiar with the Type of Incense Available

In the western world, when incense is mentioned, most people think of small thin sticks that are placed in a holder and release aromatic smoke when lit. These sticks generally come in a pack and have a distinctive fragrance. Popular fragrances include sandalwood, cinnamon, patchouli, clove, cedar, rose or ylang-ylang. As an alternative to incense sticks, another form of incense is an incense cone. These are tiny pyramid-like structures that are a combination of natural materials and oils. They are also a directly combustible form of incense that gives off a smoky aroma when lit. Some people do not like the smoke that is given off by incense but they like the aroma. If this is you, then you can look at the options of aromatic oils. When cold, aromatic oils will have a mild scent; however, when heated, the aroma is released into the atmosphere. Aromatic incense burners are usually little ceramic pots that have a tea candle in the middle and a small dish on the top. You place a small amount of oil in the dish and then light the candle underneath it. The candle then heats up the oil and releases its fragrance.

What Application Will You Be Using the Incense For?

Incense has traditionally been used for religious ceremonies. Today, it is still widely used by most Eastern cultures and religions. The type of incense that you choose to burn may be determined by the application. In some religions, specific types of incense are used for meditation while others are used for healing treatments or purification rites. Many modern people simply like the idea and fragrance of incense and have no religious affinity to it at all. They may choose a type of incense simply because they like the aroma of it. These users are less fussy as to the type or make of incense that they choose to purchase.

Places Where You Can Purchase Incense

Unless you live in a very small community, there should be a local retailer that stocks incense near you. Typically, the types of stores that will stock incense will be Chinese or Indian retailers or craft shops. With the emergence of new age religions, there are often specialty shops that will stock books, cards, stones and other items such as incense that are associated with spirituality. If there is a Buddhist or yoga center near you, they may also carry a small stock of incense.

If you have a specific type of incense in mind that is not commonly available, you may need to seek out a specialty retailer. Another option available is to shop online. If you are already familiar with the type of incense that you want and are looking to purchase it in larger quantities then this can be where you can get the best possible deals. The advantage of shopping online is that you have a wider variety available to you. Often you can choose from several different makes and fragrances and compare prices of the different types of incense. You may also discover a new fragrance that you have not used before. Shopping online is both affordable and convenient. Once you find the type of incense that you want to purchase, you can simply pay for it using your credit card and have it shipped to you. The package should arrive within a few days. This is also a great option if you are looking for a gift for a friend as it makes quite a personalized type of gift. If you know their favorite fragrance, you can put together a gift pack of different incense items and accessories and have it delivered directly to them. You could also choose a variety of fragrances so they can use the incense in accordance with their mood and purpose.

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Incense is broadly defined as aromatic biotic materials that release a fragrant smoke when burned. Typically, incense will be made up of different aromatic plant materials. To enhance the scents, aromatic oils are often added to the plant materials. Today, incense is available in a variety of forms and fragrances, and widely used in many nations and communities around the world.

From Where Did Incense Originate?

It is not known exactly when incense was introduced but it is believed that the origins of incense come from the Babylonian, Egyptian and Sumerian cultures during biblical times. Pharaohs and emperors used incense to mask unpleasant odors and for religious ceremonies. In the Bible, references are made to the use of incense in the book of Exodus. Incense was often used as part of ceremonies of worship and sacrifice to gods and to ward off evil spirits. It is believed that the early forms of incense were aromatic oils that released their fragrance when heated over a flame.

From the Middle East, the use of incense spread to Greece and throughout the Roman Empire. Incense has traditionally been used in the Indian and Chinese cultures for many centuries. It is possible that incense sticks were first introduced by these nations. Early records reflect that in the sixth century, Korean Buddhist monks first brought incense to Japan. Through the centuries, it became increasingly popular with Japanese nobles. In later centuries, Japanese warriors placed incense in their helmets to give themselves an aura of being invincible.

Early Uses of Incense

Throughout civilization, incense has been primarily used in religious ceremonies. Ancient priests would use incense as part of their incantations to their gods. Incense would be burned as part of sacrifice ceremonies and as means of worshipping gods. Incense was also sometimes believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and impending doom. Monks and other religious leaders often used incense as part of their purification ceremonies. Among nobles, incense was sometimes burned in homes to create pleasant aromas in a room before a festival or special celebration. Incense was sometimes believed to have mystical powers that could strengthen, either mentally or physically, the people exposed to the incense.

Modern Uses of Incense

In eastern religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, incense is widely used in worship ceremonies, as part of special rituals and for meditation. The increase in popularity of eastern religions into the western world has led to incense being widely used for a range of applications. Followers of eastern religions may use incense when meditating or performing yoga or martial arts. Some people don’t have any religious reasons for using incense. They may simply enjoy the aromas that it gives off and like to burn it in their homes. Mosquito coils that are widely used around the world work on the same principle of incense. The coils release a fragrance that is believed to ward off mosquitoes. Common fragrances used in coils are sandalwood and citronella.

Different Types of Incense

Most people are familiar with incense sticks or aromatic oils. You can also get incense cones which are made from a wood and charcoal base and then scented with aromatic oils. The primary difference in the composition of incense is whether the incense is made of combustible or non-combustible materials. Different cultures around the world also have different ways of creating and using incense. Incense sticks are widely used in Indian, Tibetan, Japanese and Chinese cultures. The types of sticks range from small, thin sticks that would be burned in an incense holder to larger rods that can be placed in the ground and burn for extended periods of time. Typically, incense sticks are made of combustible materials that physically burn when lit. This is generally plant matter such as wood, bark or gum. It could also be created from, or combined with, charcoal.

Aromatic oils on the other hand are generally not combustible. In order to release the aromas, oils need to be placed in a special burner which has a heat source such as a candle underneath it. The heat from the flame then releases the aroma from the oil. Oils can be used on their own. Common fragrances used in aromatic oils include jasmine, rose, patchouli, cedar, sandalwood or ylang-ylang. They are also commonly added to incense sticks to create a wider variety of aromas.

Itamar David is a representative of Fast Aroma. FastAroma.com, supplying the finest quality Aromatic incense to meditators, Yoga practitioners and discerning buyers looking to create peaceful, calming environments in the home and office. for more information about k2 incense, visit us online!