a fragrant oleoresin that is obtained from an Arabian tree (Boswellia freeriana)
While the exact content of incense sticks is a commercial secret, most incense is made from a combination of fragrant gums, resins, wood powders, herbs and spices.
Incense sticks with sweet scents are associated with good luck. Frankincense is a favorite choice for many, although some find it a bit overpowering. You can choose a variety of incense scents. Scents like rosemary and sandalwood have cleansing properties that help get rid of negative energy.
The smoke of burning incense is interpreted by both the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven.
To date, incense burning has become an indispensable ritualistic practice for many people who believe in Buddhism. Previous literature suggests that similar rituals of incense burning are also practiced in other major religions, such as Taoism [29] and Hinduism [30].
Some studies have found that burning incense indoors increases the levels of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to cancer. This makes sense – burning any sort of organic material, whether tobacco leaves, coal or an incense stick – produces PAHs.
3 incense sticks: It is about worshipping the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha. 4 incense sticks: It is related to the elements and used to increase fortune. 5 incense sticks: It is about worshiping the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, father, mother, and teachers.
Most incense that is used in spiritual applications consists of resins like Frankincense and Myrrh, herbs and/or woods like Sandalwood or Palo Santo burned loosely over coals.
Burning three (3) incense sticks shows the mobility of the uneven number that tends to move towards to infinity, stability ad equilibrium. During Tet, Vietnamese New Year Festival, it is customary to light up three incense sticks, same at funerals.
You can burn your incense as often as you like, be it once a month or every day. According to studies, long-term incense use can significantly increase the risk of certain cancers. Correct use of incense can help to minimize any harmful effects with frequent incense burning.
The best place to put incense in a room is where there is ventilation and where the most even distribution of smoke can be achieved. This may be near a window or at the center of a room. You’ll also want to pay close attention to incense burning safety to avoid any mishaps.
It is not advisable to sleep with incense burning all night due to the health and fire risks – only burn incense for 15-30 minutes before bedtime and ensure that the incense is extinguished fully before you go to sleep.
Your incense should glow and give off a light wisp of smoke as it slowly burns. Allow the fragrance to disperse through your space. It’s always a good idea to keep a window or door open while burning incense to provide ventilation.
MYRRH – Myrrh is an ancient incense used for protection, healing, purification and spirituality.
Incense is used to freshen up the scent of indoor areas, for spiritual purposes, for health, and more. Like anything else that emits smoke, incense smoke will be inhaled when using it.
Dragons Blood is a resin that comes from the Dracaena Tree. This natural red resin has been used for thousands of years in everything from paint to spiritual practices. Dragons Blood is used in incense as it has a strong and powerful aroma with notes of amber, vanilla, and spices.
Lighting a candle for someone is a way to both extend your prayers and show solidarity with the person the prayer is being made on behalf of. The faithful also light candles as a sign of gratitude to God for answered prayers. Many of these candles are traditionally made of beeswax, and there is a reason for this.
The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification. It also symbolizes the prayers of the faithful. It is an outward sign of spiritual realities, which is why it has its place in Christian liturgy.
Incense in the Catholic faith signifies holiness, purity, and God’s presence. It’s also used to proclaim blessings and during prayer. While incense is often burnt during mass and other religious events, you can also burn it at home.
The use of incense is optional for most Masses. It’s used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images. However, many Catholic priests choose not to use incense at Mass, and the people of many parishes have forgotten the uses and meaning of incense in worship.
Catholic Incense has Traditional Fragrance for Peace and Prosperity. Invite good fortune through positive affirmations and ritual practices by burning the HEM Catholic Church Natural Masal Incense Sticks. Musky, Earthy, a little bit of tang and a few sweet notes.
In the 4th century ad the early Christian church began to use incense in eucharistic ceremonial, in which it came to symbolize the ascent of the prayers of the faithful and the merits of the saints. Until the European Middle Ages its use was more restrained in the West than in the East.
Incense smoke is associated with carcinogenicity, increased cardiovascular mortality and respiratory conditions1,3,4,5.