2007-10-16 08:36:13 · 16 answers · asked by Jacob Dahlen 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Almost all Eastern liturgies bear witness to the use of incense in the celebration of the Mass, particularly at the Offertory. In the Roman Church incensation at the Gospel of the Mass appears very early -- at the Offertory in the eleventh, and at the Introit in the twelfth century, at the Benedictus and Magnificat of the canonical Hours about the thirteenth century, and, in connexion with the Elevation and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, about the fourteenth century. "Ordo Romanus VI" describes the incensation of the celebrant, and in the time of Durandus (Rat. off. Div.) the assisting clergy were incensed.
2007-10-16 08:42:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I use it because I happen to like it. In my church, we use it ritually. Remember that frankincense and myrrh were gifts considered good enough to give to the Christ Child. Also, the smoke of the incense is symbolic of prayers rising to God.
From Wikipedia:
"In the Book of Revelation, which is woven with rich imagery, incense symbolises the prayers of the saints in heaven - the "golden bowl full of incense" are "the prayers of the saints" (Revelation 5:8 cf. Revelation 8:3) which infuse upwards towards the altar of God."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_use_of_incense
2007-10-16 15:41:10 · answer #2 · answered by solarius 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most often, because it smells good.
Sometimes for ritual purposes.
Sometimes to aid meditation.
Sometimes to help focus particular aspects of a situation that needs my attention (or doesn't, for that matter).
Nice thing about incense, it can be extremely important for spiritual and/or religious work one moment, and completely mundane the next.
2007-10-16 19:02:02 · answer #3 · answered by shewolf_magic 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Frankincense, was brought from one of the wise men. The reason then was to cover the bad Oder of soiled baby clothes, with a pleasant smell.
Incense are used for many things, to set a mood and in many cultural beliefs, such as prayer etc....
I hope I helped out !
2007-10-16 15:50:31 · answer #4 · answered by cocoamoe 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Smells good, good for meditation, and represents the element of air in Witchcraft.
2007-10-16 17:47:52 · answer #5 · answered by Bookworm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I dont care for the smell but I do like candles
2007-10-16 15:42:48 · answer #6 · answered by Bride of Christ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use it because it smells nice, calms the nerves if the right scents are used, and it can free negativity from a space if used correctly.
2007-10-16 15:42:13 · answer #7 · answered by Goddess 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It smells nice, and it is very calming. It's great for meditation.
2007-10-16 15:43:39 · answer #8 · answered by Cheez Doodle 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I use it religiously, to honor the Divine, and, at the Days of the Dead, to help the spirits find their way home and as a sign of welcome and remembrance
2007-10-16 16:26:42 · answer #9 · answered by eiere 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it makes my house smell pretty :)
2007-10-16 15:42:39 · answer #10 · answered by martin.keli 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋