An Incense with Ancient Roots
Olibanum incense, also known as frankincense, is one of the oldest aromatics used by mankind. Its name comes from the Latin word incensum, meaning "that which is burnt", and the Arabic al-lubān, which refers to the precious resin extracted from the Boswellia sacra tree.
For over 5,000 years, this sacred incense has been used in religious rites, medicinal practices and purification rituals. It is mentioned in the sacred texts of the great ancient civilisations: Egypt, Mesopotamia, India and, of course, the Bible. Its deep, resinous fragrance, both woody and slightly lemony, is associated with prayer, sanctification and the divine presence.
Olibanum in the Bible and Christian Tradition
Olibanum incense plays a central role in Christian liturgy. Its use is attested as far back as the Old Testament, where it is prescribed as an offering to God in the Temple of Jerusalem.
- In Exodus 30:34-36, God gives Moses a sacred recipe for frankincense made from frankincense, intended to be burnt before the Ark of the Covenant.
- In Psalm 141:2, incense is compared to the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven: "May my prayer rise before you like incense".
But frankincense is best known for being one of the gifts from the Magi to the Christ Child, alongside gold and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). This gift symbolised the divinity of Christ: while the gold represented his kingship and the myrrh heralded his Passion, the frankincense was a tribute to his role as supreme priest, mediator between God and man.
Through the centuries, the Church has retained the use of frankincense in its liturgical celebrations. Burnt in a censer, it accompanies the solemn moments of the Mass, sanctifies the altar and the faithful, and recalls the presence of the Sacred.
The Harvesting and Making of Frankincense Olibanum
Olibanum incense is extracted from Boswellia sacra, a tree growing mainly in Oman, Yemen, Somalia and India. Harvesting follows an ancestral and meticulous process:
- Trunk incision: Growers make cuts in the bark of the tree, allowing the resin to drain.
- Natural drying : The resin oxidises on contact with air and forms small, solid grains, ready to be harvested after a few weeks.
- Selection and purification : The grains are sorted according to colour and purity, the lightest being the most sought-after.
Once prepared, frankincense can be burnt as whole grains or ground into powder for a more even burn. It is sometimes blended with other essences, such as myrrh or benzoin, to create even richer, deeper fragrances.
The Spiritual and Therapeutic Virtues of Frankincense Olibanum
Olibanum frankincense is recognised for its spiritual as well as physical benefits.
1. An Incense Promoting Prayer and Meditation
- During the liturgy to sanctify places and people.
- In personal prayer to lift the soul to God.
- As a support for meditation, particularly in monastic traditions.
- In homes to establish a climate of peace.
- During exorcisms or prayers for deliverance.
- In rituals to bless sacred objects and places.
- Natural anti-inflammatory: It is used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to relieve arthritis and muscle pain.
- Asoothing and anxiolytic : Its fragrance promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
- Antiseptic : It was once used to purify the air and wounds.
Its soothing fragrance helps to enter a state of recollection and concentration. It is used:
Olibanum has been used since ancient times to purify spaces and ward off negative influences. It is burnt:
In addition to its spiritual role, frankincense has recognised medicinal virtues:
How to Use Frankincense Olibanum Grains?
Olibanum is simple to use and can be incorporated into various prayer and purification rituals.
- Burning over glowing coals
- Lighting a coal in an incense burner.
- Once glowing, place a few grains of frankincense on it.
- Let the smoke spread, reciting a prayer or psalm.
- Mix with other incense
- Associate olibanum with myrrh for a more intense and solemn fragrance.
- Pair it with rose for a Marian prayer.
- Personal and domestic use
- Burn a little olibanum incense at home to create an atmosphere of peace.
- Use it during a time of prayer to improve concentration.
Olibanum Incense: A Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
Through the ages and civilisations, frankincense has always been a sign of relation between man and the divine. Its use in the Bible, its place in Christian liturgy and its calming properties make it an invaluable spiritual treasure.
When we burn frankincense, we are perpetuating a sacred tradition that is thousands of years old. It reminds us that our lives are an offering, a fragrance destined to rise up to God as a humble and trusting prayer.
Whether in the silence of a monastery, the censer of a priest or the intimate prayer of a devotee, frankincense continues to sanctify the world, carrying with it the promise of a deeper communion with the Creator.
