2006-10-11 19:30:05 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That was probably a priest roaming the aisle swinging a censer with burning incense. The idea is to stink up the church so that people will understand how sin stinks to God. It's intended to lay a big guilt trip on the congregation, so they'll all be saved, pay tithes to the church, and go to Heaven when they die.
2006-10-11 19:34:38 · answer #1 · answered by David S 5 · 2⤊ 5⤋
Its called a censor - the smoke is from incense - its part of blessing the body for burial. Incense is used a lot in Catholic rituals. Frankincense was one of the gifts to baby Jesus by the 3 Wise Men. Considered an expensive commodity fit for kings in biblical times.
2006-10-11 19:36:11 · answer #2 · answered by Norman 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Incense burning, and the swinging pot disperses the odor, which I understand to be intended for spiritual cleansing. I am more familiar with Native American rituals than I am Catholicism.
2006-10-11 19:33:58 · answer #3 · answered by Cub6265 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HOLY SMOKE!!!
All kidding aside, it's a purification thing they do. Some purify by water (as in baptism) and others purify by fire/smoke. Native Americans do it, too, and call it smudging.
Personally, I prefer to purify by purifying my thought. If your thought is pure, you can't get any purer. Hmmm, maybe the holy smoke is a trigger (like the bells were for Pavlov's dogs) for purifying the thought.
2006-10-11 19:46:19 · answer #4 · answered by woodsygirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has nothing at all to do with foul odors at a funeral!
Incense is used at more formal and solemn Catholic Masses, as a way of honoring God's divinity and adding a solemn note to the proceedings. We don't use it at every Mass, just major ones such as funerals and the major holydays.
2006-10-11 19:35:56 · answer #5 · answered by catintrepid 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Smoke, water and sand all have roles in the ancient rituals at Catholic funerals.
SMOKE:
"The rising smoke is a sign of the community's prayers for the deceased rising to God."
http://www.ourladyofgoodhelp.org/Funerals.htm
WATER AND SAND:
" If the place of committal is to be blessed the priest or deacon says a prayer of blessing and sprinkle the ground with holy water. Blessed sand may also be sprinkled on the ground in addition to the holy water."
http://www.canadced.com/catholic_funeral.htm
It all fits well with this language from the official Vatican web site:
"When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism."
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c4a1.htm#1673
Oh, my!
.
2006-10-11 19:32:08 · answer #6 · answered by Jim 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
some of you came close the rest lets say you got your two points.
it is one of the rituals that they took from the Pagans called smudging except we use sage. instead of incense. Its to purify the area and keep out evil spirits.
2006-10-11 19:44:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
all I know is that stuff made me choke when they walked past me with it. There ought to be a warning on the doors of the church before you go in.
Either that or masks should pop out of the ceiling so we can get some fresh air.
2006-10-11 19:35:48 · answer #8 · answered by NONAME 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Incense is a gift of welcome or departure; a blessing a purification. Recall that the wise men greeted the baby Jesus with Frankincense and Myrrh. Death is indicative of rebirth. Incense is used in many Catholic rituals.
2006-10-11 19:35:23 · answer #9 · answered by ValleyViolet 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Ahh, the smell of frankincense. Catholics love that stuff. It's like catnip for cats.
2006-10-11 19:36:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋