Christian religious incense, an ancient art
Christian religious incense has been used for thousands of years to accompany prayer and sanctify places of worship. Its manufacture is an ancient skill based on natural ingredients and artisanal techniques. Far from being a simple perfume, incense for liturgical rites is carefully designed according to a precise composition to symbolise spiritual elevation and purification. Its use dates back to the Old Testament, when God ordered Moses to prepare a sacred incense for the Tabernacle, a blend of spices chosen according to precise criteria. Today, Christian religious incense is still made according to these ancestral traditions, with a concern for quality and respect for the sacred.
The main ingredients of religious incense
Christian religious incense is generally made from natural resins extracted from aromatic trees. These resins are harvested using traditional methods in different regions of the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East and India. Each ingredient brings its own characteristics in terms of burning scent and spiritual symbolism.
Olibanum also known as incense is one of the main ingredients. It comes from the resin of the Boswellia tree, a family of trees growing mainly in Somalia, Ethiopia and Arabia. Its sweet, slightly lemony smoke is associated with prayer and purification. Olibanum is mentioned several times in the Bible and was one of the gifts offered to Jesus by the Magi.
Myrrh is another precious resin often blended with olibanum. Derived from Commiphora myrrha a tree native to East Africa and Arabia myrrh gives off a deeper, slightly bitter scent. It symbolises the suffering and humanity of Christ, particularly through its use in biblical funeral rites.
Benjoin is a resin extracted from the styrax tree, which grows in South-East Asia. It is used for its balsamic and slightly vanilla fragrance, which softens the more resinous smell of frankincense and myrrh. In some traditions it is also associated with spiritual protection.
Storax and copal are sometimes added to enrich the composition. Storax offers a sweeter, spicier note, while copal from certain species of Latin American trees provides a light, woody smoke.
In addition to these resins incense may contain essential oils to enhance its aroma and prolong the diffusion of its smoke. Some preparations also include dried bark or flower powders to enrich their composition.
The stages involved in making incense
The manufacture of Christian religious incense is based on several key stages that guarantee the quality of the final product and its ability to burn slowly releasing a fragrant smoke.
The first stage involves harvesting and purifying the resins. The trees are incised to let the resin flow out, which hardens into small tears before being collected by hand. Once harvested these resins are sorted to remove impurities and then ground into grains of varying fineness depending on the desired use.
The next stage is the blending of the resins. Depending on traditions and olfactory preferences the different resins are blended in specific proportions to achieve a harmonious balance between aromas. This blend can be enriched with natural essential oils, which are carefully incorporated so as not to alter the combustion.
Once the blend is ready the incense is packaged in different forms. Granular incense is the most common in churches as it burns slowly over a glowing coal. It is stored in sachets or hermetically sealed boxes to preserve its aromatic properties. There are also incense sticks or cones made by mixing resins with natural binders before being shaped and dried.
Incense burning techniques
To release its fragrance and smoke incense must be burnt using a suitable method. In churches incense is generally used with a censer a metal container suspended by chains allowing the smoke to be diffused during processions and blessings.
The granular incense is placed on a previously lit glowing coal. This specific coal designed for slow combustion allows the aroma of the resins to be released gradually. The smoke that then rises fills the church, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and prayer.
In a domestic setting it is possible to use a suitable incense burner with a smaller coal or an incense holder if you opt for incense in sticks or cones. It is important to always burn incense in a well-ventilated space and on a heat-resistant support to avoid any risk of fire.
The importance of choosing incense
Not all incense is suitable for liturgical use. Some industrial products contain chemical additives and synthetic fragrances that alter their purity and spiritual significance. Churches and monasteries often favour natural incense made using artisanal methods that guarantee clean burning and an authentic fragrance.
The choice of incense can also vary according to liturgical periods. Some richer, spicier blends are reserved for major festivals such as Christmas and Easter, while lighter, more sober incenses are used for Lent or funeral ceremonies.
Making Christian religious incense is an ancient art that combines traditional craftsmanship and spirituality. Each grain of incense is the fruit of meticulous preparation designed to honour God and accompany the prayers of the faithful. From the biblical prescriptions to today's artisanal methods, this sacred incense continues to occupy an essential place in the liturgy and spiritual life of Christians. By choosing a quality incense and respecting its sacred use, we are perpetuating an age-old heritage where each rising smoke is a reminder of the divine presence and the elevation of souls to heaven.
