The incense grain ritual: light, place, breathe
For thousands of years, burning resin has accompanied prayer, recollection and great feasts. Its slowly rising smoke is a symbol of prayer ascending to heaven. Here is how to enjoy this ritual at home, simply and safely.
What you need
Incense grains: olibanum, myrrh, benzoin… chosen to suit your taste
A self-lighting charcoal disc: our quick-lighting charcoal
A censer or a heat-resistant dish filled with sand or salt
Tongs to handle the charcoal: our brass charcoal tongs
The ritual, step by step
Light. Hold the charcoal with the tongs and bring a flame to one edge. It crackles and small sparks run across its surface: this is normal.
Wait. Set it on the sand and leave it for 3 to 5 minutes, until it is covered with a thin white layer.
Place. A small pinch of grains is enough. The resin melts gently and releases its fragrance.
Breathe. Savour the moment. When the smoke fades, add a few more grains. A charcoal disc lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
Our tip
Less is more: a few grains added regularly give a finer, more pleasant fragrance than a large handful all at once.
A few precautions
Always place the dish on a heat-resistant surface.
Air the room and never leave incense burning unattended.
Do not touch the charcoal: it stays very hot for a long time. Let it cool completely before throwing it away.
Keep incense and charcoal out of reach of children and pets.
Our incense grains
To go further
Prefer something simpler? Discover the incense stick ritual. And to understand the place of incense in the faith, read our article “Why is incense used in the Christian tradition?”.
A question, or want to discover our incense? Visit the Mariam shop in Saint-Maximin, opposite the basilica, or call +33 7 45 36 50 61.
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