Incense (from Latin: Incendere, "to burn") is composed of aromatic materials called biotics (plants) that give off fragrant smoke when burned. Incense" refers to the substance itself, rather than the smell it produces. It is used in religious ceremonies, purification rituals, aromatherapies, meditation, for creating a state of mind, and to mask some bad odor.
The use of incense originated in Ancient Egypt, where gum and oil resins from aromatic trees were imported from the coasts of Arabia and Somalia for use in religious ceremonies.
Incense is composed of materials from aromatic plants, often combined with essential oils. The forms of incense have changed over time, both through technological advances, underlying cultural differences, and the diversity of reasons for using it.
The two main types of incense can be divided into "indirect burning" and "direct burning". Indirect burning incense, also called "non-combustible incense", requires a separate heat source, since it is not capable of burning itself. Direct-burning incense, also called "combustible incense," must directly have a flame to ignite it, and then the smoke from the incense is spread, which releases the fragrance. Examples of direct-burning incense are incense sticks (incense), cones or pyramids.
Incenses:
- Japanese: Nippon Kod
- Indian: yogi vandana
- Andes mountains: Pau Santo