Incense and Frankincense: What’s the Difference
Since ancient times, incense refers to the aromatic resin or gum (a sticky substance) extracted from cuts made in the trunk of the cedar tree of Lebanon (cedrus libani), from which the word “libani” is derived.
Although the terms incense and frankincense are often used as synonyms, they don’t identify. Frankincense is one of the ingredients of incense. According to divine command in the Old Testament, incense was required to contain four main components: mastic, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense (Exodus 30:34-38).
Thus, a specialized perfumer crafted this fragrant mixture, adding a pinch of salt to purify it. In the time of Jesus Christ, incense contained 13 aromatic components, as noted by Josephus.
The Lord also said to Moses, «Take sweet spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, and pure frankincense with these sweet spices; there shall be equal amounts of each. 35 You shall make of these an incense, a compound according to the art of the perfumer, salted, pure, and holy. 36 And you shall beat some of it very fine, and put some of it before the Testimony in the tabernacle of meeting where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you…» (Exodus 30:34-38).
Find here: Traditional Incense from Mount Athos
What is the symbolism of Incense
In the Old Testament, the offering of incense was a divine command, performed every morning and evening alongside the lighting of the oil-lamps, as detailed in the book of Exodus (30:7-8). This holy act has been preserved in Christian tradition to this day.
Prayer and Communication with God
Incense holds deep symbolic meaning and serves as a medium for communication with God. As incense burns and prayers are offered, the faithful ask the Lord to accept the prayer in order to rise to His heavenly throne, just as the fragrant incense ascends to the heavens.
It also symbolizes the spiritual ascent of the soul and our heartfelt desire for prayers to be accepted as a «sweet-smelling spiritual aroma».
In Church, incense is offered during Vespers while the second verse of Psalm 140 is chanted: «Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense…».
What should we do during the time of incense in Church?
When the faithful are censed by the priest during a church service, they should bow their heads slightly as a sign of acceptance of the divine grace.
Saint John Chrysostom explains that just as incense is naturally fragrant but emits its full aroma when touched by fire, so prayer becomes more potent when it springs from a fervent and devoted soul.
Find here: Icons with Saint John Chrysostom.
What incensing symbolizes at the Church and at homes
Incensing, whether in the church or at home, is a practice that unites humans with God, creating an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual elevation.
Furthermore, fragrant incense symbolizes praise, that is, thanksgiving to God. The burning of incense expresses worship and atonement, while its aroma fills the church with a sense of divine grace.
This act reflects the fulfillment of the believer’s heart with divine satisfaction, a fruit of love towards God. In this holy atmosphere, every faithful individual becomes «the fragrance of Christ».
Why we use incense at home
Typically, believers burn incense at home twice daily, morning and evening, as times of prayer and thanksgiving to God. In the morning, incense is burned to glorify God for a peaceful night and to seek His blessing for the day ahead.
At night, during prayer, believers thank Him for the day’s events and ask for His protection during their rest.
Thus, the use of incense at home is accompanied by prayer, fostering a spirit of reverence and drawing divine grace.
It is customary for believers to burn incense before prayer, while reading supplications, or when baking holy bread prosphora. This act serves as a reminder of God’s presence and the saints’ role in our lives.
Find here: Incense Set with coals, incense, wicks and candlestick
Prayer for burning incense at home
When burning incense at home, believers may say the following prayer:
«Let my prayer rise as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Hear me O Lord». (Psalm. 140.2)
How is the Frankincense connected to the Pentecost
Incense also symbolizes the fiery tongues of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples of Jesus Christ «tongues as of fire». During the Prothesis, the priest offers a blessing that reflects this connection, saying:
«Incense we offer unto Thee, O Christ our God, as an odor of spiritual fragrance. Receiving it upon Thy most heavenly altar, send down upon us in return the grace of Thine All-Holy Spirit».
In this way, incense becomes a means of invoking the descent of the Holy Spirit.
Saint Symeon of Thessaloniki explains that incense signifies the grace of God, which was poured out upon the world through Jesus Christ and ascends to heaven through Him.
Find here: Incense Set - Holy Cell Presentation of Virgin Mary
What is the aromatic Frankincense?
The aromatic frankincense is a more recent form of incense, created by blending finely ground natural incense with aromatic substances in specific proportions.
The preparation of aromatic Frankincense on Mount Athos
The preparation of the aromatic frankincense has been carried on uninterruptedly for centuries by the monks of Mount Athos. They often use flower petals along with frankincense, which they grind in a shatter.
After kneading the mixture, the dark incense paste is spread on trays to dry and later cut into small pieces for use during special occasions.
Find here: Traditional Frankincense of Mount Athos
What is the symbolism of the censers used in Orthodox tradition?
A censer is a portable, metal vessel used to place burning charcoals or coal powder in its down side. Censers are employed in all Church Services, in believers’ homes, and at the graves of loved ones.
Church censers are supported by four chains, adorned with twelve bells, symbolizing the Four Evangelists and the Twelve Apostles, respectively. The lighting of the censer signifies believers’ faith and love towards God.
Find here: Ecclesiastical - Church Censers
The bowl of the censer, where the charcoals burn and the incense is placed, represents the womb of the Theotokos. According to Saint Cosmas of Aetolia, the censer symbolizes the Theotokos herself.
Just as the burning coals do not consume the incense, so the Virgin Mary bore Jesus Christ, the “consuming fire,” in her womb without any harm or alteration.
The base of the censer signifies Jesus Christ’s human nature, while the fire represents His divine essence and the Divine Love that burns like a flame in the hearts of all believers. The rising smoke symbolizes the fragrance of the Holy Spirit.
Find here: Orthodox Home Censers
