Incense, also known as joss stick, is aromatic material which releases fragrant smoke when burned. Burning incense has been used both to create pleasing aromas and as a medicinal tool.

Colorful incenses. [Photo/image.baidu.com]

Burning incense, translated to “shaoxiang” in Chinese, is a traditional and ubiquitous religious practice for almost all pujas, prayers, and other forms of worship. Religious use of incense has its origins in antiquity not only in China but also in other countries such as India. India is the home of Buddhism, and has formed its characteristic convention of burning incense. A uniform and codified system of incense-making first began in India. The specific knowledge of incense as a healing tool was assimilated into the religious practices of the time, specifically early Hinduism. As Hinduism matured and Buddhism was founded, incense became an integral part of Buddhism as well. Around 200 A.D., a group of wandering Buddhist monks introduced making incense sticks to China.

During the rituals an incense stick is lit to remove unpleasant odors in the air. It creates the perfect setting for an auspicious atmosphere by filling the air with a pleasant smell. As they release smoke, they also act as an organic repellant that drives away insects.

It has some psychological benefits as well. The aroma of the incense stick has a healing power and soothing effect on the mind. The calming effect relaxes the mind and helps in performing rituals with better concentration. Payer offered with a calm mind acts like a meditation process.

The incense also has its own spiritual significance. The incense stick burns itself completely into ashes and yet fills the air with a pleasant smell. This ritual basically denotes human virtue of sacrificing oneself for society.

There are many customs concerning the practice of burning incense. One of them is the so-called burning the first incense stick. It has been held that the first incense stick has the biggest merits and blesses people to a greater degree.

Devotees light incense sticks over candles. [Photo/sxwts.gov.cn]

Devotees put the lit incense sticks into the incense burner. [Photo/image.baidu.com]

Tourists pray with lit incense sticks in their hands. [Photo/image.baidu.com]

Mount Wutai is one of world’s five greatest sacred mountains and the most famous holy Buddhist land in China. Millions of devotees and visitors from China and abroad travel to the mountain to shaoxiang, or burn incense for worship and prayers. It is not only because of Mount Wutai’s prestigious fame in Buddhism but also for its mystical power to attract people here to burn incense sticks, worship Buddhas and redeem a vow to a god from thousands of years ago.