history of incense sticks
Use of incense is as old as mankind.
Its mentioned in both old testament and new testament.
Old testament
God called on moses to prepare and altar and burn incenses to please him.He gave him the recipe to create incense.
New testament
When jesus was born three wise men of east brought him the following gifts:
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
- Gold
First two are aromatic substances used in incense manufacturing.
May be the history of incense is as old as the invention of fire.When the people invented fire they used to burn things in it.Burning certain herbs and plants filled the air with aroma and pleasure.It helped them to achieve meditation state.It was used in prayers by all the religions.
India
In many sanskrit texts you will find the mention of incenses in prayers as it help the people attend the state of mediattion.From india it went to other places like egypt,japan,china.Many basic materials needed for incense preparation like myrrh,jasmine,bamboo sticks and sandalwood was found in abundance in india.
Egypt
In temple rituals to purify atmosphere and to drive away bad odours
Japan
Monks believed it frees them of negative energy.In japan it was known as senko.It was brought to sakai city from china.Initially incense was exported from herbal medicine suppliers in china.Later they started making themselves.Once buddhism grew in japan,the demand for incense grew very fast.Created incense sticks by using joss sticks.In india,bamboo sticks were used.
China
Probably the first country to understand its medical importance and experimented with many herbs.It also used them in making clocks.Its birthplace of incense sticks.
Babylon
Used incense in 5th and 6th century during prayers.
Egypt
In 8th century against evils.
Native americans
Synopsis of incense history
They invented smudging.They burned mixture of herbs and resins in bowls.They believed it calls spirits of sacred plants and clears negative energy and emotional baggage.It was used by queen of shiba,pharohs and samurai warriors of japan.During middle ages incense was highly desirable commodity.It was valued more than gold.It was used in every occasion by romans and their wealth was measuredby amount of incense present in one's home.After the fall of roman empire,the trade of incense falled but never erased.In modern times hippies took incense from india to USA and it became very popular there.Now also its used in prayers,medicine and scenting houses all over the world .