History of Burning Incense

Burning incense is practiced today as it was used thousands of years ago. It is an important part of human life in many cultures and in everyday life. Its origins lie somewhere in the earliest history of mankind, the burning of incense is probably as old as the use of fire.

Originally it served mainly for sacred purposes, but also for the atmospheric cleaning and disinfection of houses and spaces, for the stabilization and the suggestion of physical desire. During meditation and prayer for the stabilization of the spiritual energies and the purifying healing effect.

Incense burning was practiced in all ancient cultures: In Egypt and Mesopotamia where they sent messages to the Gods with the scented smoke. In ancient Greece, it was also used for welfare purposes. In the East, where a particularly established fragrance culture has developed - the Arabs are known for their preference for scents and perfumes. To the indigenous people of the United States, who have a special and deeply rooted relationship with nature. They have burned incense for many thousands of years and to this day.

Incense burning is still practiced in Asian countries such as India, Tibet, China and Japan, just as it was thousands of years ago. In Japan, the tradition of incense has developed into a refined scented art. In Japan you will find the most beautiful and richest perfumes (Japanese "Koh") in the world. Burning incense has just such a ritualistic tradition as the famous tea ceremony in Japan. The land of the rising sun, the Koh DO ceremony, "the way of smoking", where the perfume master and his guests listen together "to the fragrance".

Ancient customs and rituals in Europe also include the use of herbs and resins. To send a message to the gods as a thank you or as a request, for example for the harvest. To celebrate the seasons, whether the waxing, full or waning moon. Cleaning houses and stables from demons and ghosts.

Burning incense is also used in Christianity. Roman Catholic services are still inseparable from the fragrance of frankincense, Olibanum. In the Eastern Orthodox Church more use is made of Storax and Myrrh.


Aromatic dried plants and plant parts such as resins, wood, bark, leaves, needles, roots, flowers and herbs are used to burn incense. The incense or mixture is put in a fireproof incense burner, on special charcoal to burn away slowly. Different plants are used, which plants and resins you use depend on the purpose for which you would like to burn them. You can use single resins on an incense burner or you can make incense blends.

A modern alternative to burning on charcoal is to use an oil burner or incense burner with a sieve. According to this principle, place the smoking materials on a fine-mesh sieve, including a tea light fire. The fine fragrance spreads slowly and significantly less smoke is produced than when using incense on charcoal.

Incense sticks, incense cones and incense spirals are another popular form of scents. They are easier to handle and do not require much time unlike charcoal burning. Incense sticks and cones are easy to carry and can be used at any time and wherever possible. It will create a sense of well-being and atmosphere.

If you prefer your own composition, loose herbs and resins are the most suitable.

The scented substances released by the burning create a relaxing, healing atmosphere. It cleanse the mind and soul and increase well-being.