What is incense?  Where does it come from?  How do you use it?  In response to requests from our customers, we have compiled some information about church incense and how to use it.

What is incense?

From the Latin word, incendere, meaning "to burn," incense is a fragrant-smelling smoke produced by grains of various resins placed on burning charcoal in a censer; it is used in Roman Catholic and Eastern Liturgies during services and processions. Some say incense is used to recall one of the three gifts of the Wise Men to the Christ Child. Scripture commends its usage, particularly in Psalm 141, where prayers are said to be like incense.

What is frankincense?

Truly the king of incense. Frankincense has been used as long as humans have burned incense. Frankincense is the resin of a number of trees (genus Boswellia of the incense tree, or Burseraceae family) which is gathered by cutting the tree's bark. The juice of the tree dries and hardens, after which it is gathered and graded. Besides its importance as incense, frankincense has also been widely used for medicinal purposes. Oman and Somalia are chief sources of frankincense.

What is a Censer?

(Also called a thurible) - a vessel in which incense is burned on charcoal. A censer is usually carried in processions and recessionals by a special acolyte called a thurifer.

Cenacle Charcoal and Candle Incense Burners - Instructions for use

1. Charcoal Incense Burners

Place one tablet of charcoal in censer or incense burner. Ignite charcoal with match or lighter and get it glowing. Sprinkle a small amount of incense over the burning charcoal. Add more incense as it burns away. One tablet of charcoal will burn for approximately one hour. If shorter periods are required, break charcoal into smaller pieces.

Important: Wrap up remaining charcoal tightly in foil provided to exclude air.

Tip: Charcoal may be placed on a strip of tin foil before lighting, then lifted into the burner once lit. This will also help to keep your burner clean.

Removable grill
Some or our charcoal burners contain a removable grill, which may be removed for cleaning by unscrewing using a cocktail stick.

Warning! When ignited, charcoal becomes red-hot. Ensure that the container is kept clear of any surface which could be damaged by heat.

2. Candle Incense Burners

For best results, and to help keep your burner clean, cover the grill with a small piece of tin foil, then place a small amount of incense on the tin foil. Light a night (‘tea’) light, and place under the grill.

WARNING: all types of incense burners become very hot when in use, so place on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface and away from anything flammable!

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