Incense FAQ

Q. How far back in history is the use of incense recorded?

A. It is difficult to be precise but incense has been around for thousands of years. It is said that the Queen of Sheba loved to use Frankincense for its sweet perfume and we know that the Romans were keen on incense, using it in their homes and temples. The Egyptians too recognised its value and, due to its rarity, used incense as a trading currency.

Q. Why does it have a religious significance?

A. As well as being sought after for its lovely smell, incense has long played a part in religious ceremonies. The New Testament records incense as a rare and precious gift brought by the Kings to the baby Jesus and even today it is used in ceremonies in many churches and temples. In the Roman Catholic church it plays a significant role in the observation of the sacraments. The smoke spiralling upwards symbolises prayers going up to heaven and its calming effect helps worshippers focus on their devotions. But its use is not limited to the Christian faith – pagans also burn incense believing that it has mystical properties.

Q. Why is the smell of incense said to be calming?

A. Olfactory information (i.e. the stimulus that is created by smell) is stored in a complex part of the brain that has a primitive function shared by most animals – to detect poisons and toxins. But the impulses created when we inhale any type of aroma are also sent to the cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for conscious thought; hence our often very clear link between an event or an emotion and the perfume we smelt at the time.

Q. How can I use incense in my home today?

A. Incense makes a lovely home fragrance. Burn cones or incense sticks, such as the Encens – Auroville range stocked by Baldwins, which are made from pure essential oils that are hand rolled on to bamboo. Alternatively, you can burn incense in a terracotta burners, a wide choice of which are available from Baldwins in attractive designs.

Baldwins helpline staff are always please to give you more information. Contact them on 020 7703 5550.

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