The Tradition of Giving Incense and How Make the Most of the Underlying Messages Hidden in Scents
The tradition of gifting incense is at the heart of the incense community, where gifts that resonate with the season or are chosen for the symbolic and underlying meaning of the fragrances are given.
The Gift of Incense
The gifting of incense is as traditional in the East as the gifting of flowers. Give someone a gift they can enjoy over a long time, enriching their environment and reminding them of the event you are celebrating with them. Whether it be a birthday, a wedding, to mark an anniversary, the start of a new phase in life, or the beginning (or end) of a season, we stock a wide range of Incense Selection Boxes, perfect for gifting.
Symbolism of Fragrance
Fragrances hold a powerful and captivating symbolism that transcends their physical presence. They have the remarkable ability to evoke memories, emotions, and even cultural or personal associations, making them deeply personal and rich with meaning. Fragrance can carry symbolic messages, communicating intricate narratives and leaving a lasting impression on people and societies.
Memories
One of the most profound aspects of fragrance symbolism lies in its connection to memory. Our sense of smell is closely linked to the part of our brain that processes emotions and memories, the limbic system. A particular scent can transport us back in time, instantaneously triggering vivid recollections and awakening emotions. It is through this transcendent power that fragrances create personal narratives, serving as markers of significant events, people, or places in our lives.
Emotions and Moods
Not only do fragrances evoke memories, but they also stimulate emotions and moods, making them a powerful tool for self-expression. Just as works of art or music can convey a particular sentiment, fragrances have the transformative capability to encapsulate various emotional states. Different fragrances can create distinct atmospheres and impact our psychological well-being, from the invigorating and energising scent of citrus to the soothing and comforting aroma of lavender. By selecting a fragrance, we can express a part of our inner world, allowing others to perceive a specific facet of their personality.
History
The symbolic nature of fragrance is not limited to the personal realm. Throughout history, societies and cultures have used specific scents to convey collective meanings and identity. In ancient civilisations, such as Egypt or Mesopotamia, fragrances held spiritual significance and were often associated with divinity or religious rituals. In more contemporary contexts, different scents and incense have become symbolic of luxury, elegance, sensuality, or even rebellion. Brands meticulously construct fragrances and package them with symbolic elements, linking their creations to specific values or lifestyles that resonate with us.
Storytelling
Fragrance can play a role in storytelling. Scents can be used as a narrative device in plays, where the fragrance can represent a character’s personality trait, evoke a particular setting, or symbolise a thematic element. Through the strategic inclusion of fragrances, narratives gain an additional layer of depth and invoke sensory engagement, enabling readers or viewers to form a more profound connection with the story.
What Fragrances Symbolise
Fragrance possesses a profound symbolic nature that goes beyond physical presence. It bridges the realms of memory, emotion, and culture, carrying personal narratives and conduits of communal meaning. Whether in the context of individual self-expression or collective symbolism, fragrances hold immense power to evoke, communicate, and transform, making them an extraordinary and captivating aspect of our experience. Combinations of scents or the use of other accompanying ingredients can further refine the symbolism and evoke unique experiences.
 The meanings attached to specific fragrances can vary depending on regional customs and individual interpretations, showing the rich and varied tapestry of human beliefs and practices.
Here are a few examples:
Amber: timelessness, immortality, continuity.
Amber is a fossilised resin from ancient trees which has a distinctive aroma when burnt. It symbolises the natural world and its enduring beauty. Its ability to preserve organic material for thousands of years symbolises timelessness, immortality, and a connection to nature and the Earth’s history. It’s connection to the cycle of life and death and represents the idea of preservation and continuity. The warm and resinous aroma of amber can have grounding effects, promoting a sense of stability and balance.
 Agarwood: enlightenment, meditation, transcendence.
Agarwood has been used for thousands of years and is mentioned in ancient texts and scriptures often associated with religious rituals and healing practices in many ancient civilisations, including those of Japan, China, India, and the Middle East. It is considered sacred in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and certain sects of Christianity and has been a symbol of unity and community bonding. It is used in ceremonies, meditation, and as incense during prayers to enhance spiritual experience. Due to its rarity and intense fragrance, it has been historically associated with luxury and wealth and is considered a prestigious gift. Its unique scent makes it highly sought-after and expensive in the perfume industry.Â
Bergamot: positivity, abundance, good fortune.
Bergamot, a citrus fruit with a unique aroma, originated in Southeast Asia, particularly China, India, and Bangladesh, but for centuries has been primarily produced in Calabria, Italy, for both the perfume industry and Earl Grey tea production. With its uplifting and refreshing scent, bergamot has been associated with mental clarity and emotional balance, used to alleviate stress and anxiety. In folklore, it symbolises luck, prosperity, and protection against evil spirits. It is often used to attract positive energy and abundance.
 Benzoin: purification, cleansing, protection.
Benzoin, known for its warm and vanilla-like scent, has been used historically in rituals and ceremonies associated with purification, protection, and spiritual enlightenment. Benzoin trees are native to Southeast Asia, particularly regions like Sumatra, Java, and Thailand, and their use dates back to the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece, and India, where it played a vital role in religious ceremonies and offerings to deities. In Southeast Asia, it is used during important life events and as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
 Cedar: protection, strength, and connection to the divine.
In Sumerian mythology, the Cedar Forest was considered a sacred realm, and the tree itself was associated with the gods and their power. In ancient Egypt, cedar wood was employed in embalming, linking it to the journey to the afterlife and immortality. The cedar tree also appears in biblical narratives, often symbolising wisdom, righteousness, and the sacredness of God’s dwelling place. In Native American cultures, cedar is considered a symbol of healing and purification and regarded as the “Tree of Life,” emphasising its essential role in sustaining life.
 Cherry Blossoms: the transience of life, ephemeral beauty, renewal, and rebirth.
In Japan, cherry blossoms, or sakura, represent life’s transient nature and symbolise beauty, renewal, and the fleeting nature of existence. The annual blooming of cherry blossoms is celebrated with hanami, a centuries-old tradition of enjoying the beauty of the blossoms with picnics and gatherings under the flowering trees. The sakura’s delicate and ephemeral nature has been linked to the samurai’s bushido code, evoking concepts of honour, sacrifice, and living life to the fullest.
 Chrysanthemum: elegance and longevity.
Chrysanthemum is highly regarded in East Asian cultures, particularly in China and Japan, where it holds the symbolic significance of longevity, elegance, and a sense of calmness. It is often used in rituals honouring ancestors and during festivals celebrating the beauty of autumn.
 Cloves: prosperity, purifying, comfort.
Cloves are aromatic flower buds from the evergreen Syzygium Aromaticum tree. They have a long history of use dating back thousands of years. They were highly prized in all ancient civilisations like the Chinese, Roman, and Egyptian cultures and traded along the Silk Road as early as 226 BC. In the medieval period, cloves became a symbol of status and wealth in Europe and have been used in medicine and food throughout that time. Symbolically they are associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, cleansing and purifying spaces, and promote relaxation and a sense of comfort.
 Cypress: immortality, remembrance, eternal life.
Cypress has a clean piney fragrance that is uplifting and refreshing. In Chinese culture, the cypress tree represents longevity, strength, and resilience, often featured in traditional landscape paintings. In Islamic traditions, it is seen in mosque gardens as a symbol of paradise. The trees and their fragrance have associations with remembrance, mourning, and the afterlife in various cultures and religions, including ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Christian traditions.Â
Daphne: hope, luck, perseverance, resilience.
Daphne flowers are characterised by their delicate, sweet, and intoxicating floral scent with hints of citrus and spice. They have a long history in Chinese culture and its ability to bloom in winter, even during harsh conditions, means it has become a symbol of hope, perseverance, and resilience. A daphne plant near one’s home is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It is referenced in Chinese poetry and literature as a representation of beauty and elegance. In Japanese culture, the daphne flower is associated with the New Year and is considered an auspicious plant. It is commonly used in floral arrangements and decorations during New Year’s celebrations.
 Frankincense: spirituality, purification, divinity.
Frankincense is a deep, resiny, musky fragrance with a distinctive, sharp citrus note. It has deep symbolism in multiple religious traditions. In ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Babylon, and Persia, frankincense was highly revered as a sacred resin symbolising spirituality, purification, and divinity. It was considered a precious offering to the divine. Similarly, in Islam, olibanum, another name for frankincense, holds significance in ancient Arabic cultures and has symbolic associations with spirituality, prayer, and divine intercession. It is a sacred fragrance frequently used during prayer and meditation. In Christianity, it is associated with the birth of Jesus, the worship of God and often used during religious ceremonies.Â
Freesia: love, purity, innocence.
Freesias are native to South Africa and gained worldwide popularity after the 19th century. The scent profile is delicate, sweet, and slightly peppery aroma with hints of citrus and green floral notes. Their cultural significance is more modern than other flowers, and they are associated with love, purity, and innocence, making them popular for weddings and other romantic occasions. In the Japanese language of flowers (Hanakotoba), freesias represent trust and friendship, further emphasising their connection to positive emotions and relationships.
 Gardenia: purity, beauty, reverence.
Gardenias have been cherished in many cultures for their beauty and fragrance and are used as offerings in religious and spiritual ceremonies to symbolise purity and reverence. They have inspired numerous artists, writers, and poets throughout history and have been captured in paintings, poems, and literary works as a symbol of love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. The intoxicating sweet, rich, floral scent makes it popular in perfumery. They originated in China and Japan, where they are associated with purity, love, and beauty and lend a sense of refinement and harmony. In China, gardenias are used in weddings to symbolise the purity and sweetness of love between the bride and groom, and in Japan, they are often used in Ikebana. Gardenias have been used as offerings in religious and spiritual ceremonies to symbolise purity and reverence. Herbalists use gardenias in formulas to treat inflammation, infections, and anxiety.Â
 Jasmine: purity, sensuality, romance, the divine.
Jasmine is rich, deep, sweet, and floral and is widely recognised for its symbolism of purity, sensuality, and spiritual devotion and is associated with love, romance, and the divine. It has diverse symbolic uses across cultures. In many Asian countries, including India, Persia and China, jasmine is used in wedding ceremonies and other celebrations. In certain Hindu rituals, jasmine garlands are offered to deities as a gesture of devotion. It is often used as an offering in ceremonies, particularly in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Jasmine incense enhances meditation, uplifts the spirit, and promotes positive energy.
 Lavender: tranquillity, cleansing, calming.
Lavender has a blue-note aroma and is peaceful, relaxing, cleansing, calming, and strengthening. Well known for its relaxing and soothing properties, it symbolises tranquillity, peace, and gentleness. It is also associated with healing and protection and is one of the most widely used herbs in aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, and self-care rituals. It is healing, anti-inflammatory, soothing and calming, and often used to help sleep. Burning lavender incense is used to help reduce stress, promote sleep, and create a soothing environment in many cultures.
 Lilac: renewal, romance, innocence.
Lilacs are a flower of spring with a light and delicate fragrance much loved by butterflies, and throughout the world from ancient times to now, they are an emblem of young love, romance, and innocence. Although now found throughout the world, the plant is native to Southeastern Europe and Persia. It was highly revered in ancient Greek and Roman and features in Greek mythology. The blooming of lilacs in spring represents new beginnings, renewal, and the return of life after winter. Because of this, they are also associated with remembrance and used in funeral rituals and memorials.Â
Lily: fertility, purity, virtue, transitions.
Lilies are associated with purity, innocence, and renewal due to their elegant appearance and the fact that they often grow in or near water. They have a long history of symbology, dating back to ancient civilisations and have featured prominently in the art, mythology, and literature of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In ancient Egypt, lilies meant fertility, rebirth, and purity and were often used in religious ceremonies and funerals. The Greeks and Romans also associated lilies with renewal and transition. In Christianity, lilies are closely linked to the Virgin Mary and symbolise purity, virtue, and the Annunciation. White lilies are seen during Easter as a symbol of the resurrection and new life. In Chinese culture, they symbolise abundance, purity, and prosperity and are used in weddings and other festive occasions to bring good luck and positive energy. In Japan, the beauty and purity of the lily flower are used to protect the souls of the deceased.
 Lily of the Valley: joy, luck, innocence, love.
Lily of the Valley is commonly associated with purity and innocence due to its delicate appearance and sweet fragrance. As a springtime flower, it can be seen in Mayday celebrations and symbolises renewal, happiness, and the return of joy after a long winter. Lily of the Valley represents a declaration of love and devotion in the language of flowers, making it a popular choice in romantic contexts. Associated with myths of fairy-folk, some cultures believe the flower brings luck and prosperity, making it a cherished gift for special occasions.
 Lotus: rebirth, enlightenment, purity.
Lotus flowers have a soft, slightly citrusy floral fragrance. Lotus flowers hold great significance in ancient Egypt and other Eastern cultures, symbolising rebirth, purity, spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Its pristine beauty and ability to remain untainted despite growing in muddy waters make it a symbol of the emergence from darkness into light. The blue lotus flower is revered in both Tibetan and ancient Egyptian cultures, symbolising transcendence, spiritual awakening, and the search for higher consciousness. The gentle and subtle fragrance of lotus incense is often used during meditation and spiritual practices to create a serene atmosphere.Â
 Magnolia: beauty, perseverance, dignity.
Magnolias date back millions of years and are one of the oldest flowering plants. Magnolia flowers, known for their soft beauty and elegance, are often associated with femininity and hold symbolic meanings in various cultures, such as beauty, perseverance, dignity, love, and compassion. They also symbolise graceful strength. In Chinese culture, the magnolia flower represents purity and nobility, and in medicine is used to treat anxiety, stress, and digestive issues. In the Southern United States, it represents hospitality, grace, and gentility. The aroma is intense, rich and sweet, with spicey citrus tones.
 Myrrh: purification, rejuvenation, sacredness.
Myrrh holds symbolic significance for its association with healing, preservation, purification, and anointing in different religious and spiritual practices. In ancient Egypt, myrrh was used in embalming rituals and as a symbol of purification and rejuvenation. The scent of myrrh has been associated with spirituality, meditation, and creating a sacred atmosphere in religious ceremonies across several cultures, including ancient Mesopotamia and the Arabian Peninsula. In traditional East Asian medicine and Ayurveda, it has been used to support respiratory health and promote emotional balance. Like frankincense, it has a special significance for Christians for its connection to the birth story of Jesus.
 Narcissus: self-discovery, rebirth, introspection.
Narcissus is from the daffodil family and is smaller, heavily sweet-scented with green undertones. Narcissus was significant in Greek mythology and represented beauty, self-love, and rebirth and was associated with the story of Narcissus himself. Although the myth gave rise to the concept of narcissism, excessive self-love, and vanity, it also carries connotations of self-discovery and introspection and a journey away from self-absorption.
 Patchouli: attraction, prosperity, grounding.
Patchouli’s unique fragrance and versatile applications have contributed to its enduring cultural significance across different parts of the world. It is highly regarded in traditional East Asian medicine for its healing properties, and its distinctive earthy scent has made it popular in perfumery and aromatherapy worldwide. Both patchouli leaves and oil are used to manifest and attract abundance. It is native to South and Southeast Asia, where it symbolises prosperity, wealth, spiritual growth and meditation.
 Pine: longevity, endurance, wisdom.
Pine trees were revered by many ancient European civilisations like the Celts and Druids. In many cultures in the Americas and Europe they symbolised longevity, wisdom, and rebirth, and in China, they also symbolise resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity. In Japan, the pine tree (known as “matsu”) is highly regarded as one of the Three Friends of Winter, along with bamboo and plum blossoms. The pine tree’s evergreen nature represents longevity and endurance, and it is often used in traditional Japanese gardens and art to symbolise strength and constancy.
 Roses: devotion, love, beauty, passion, sensuality.
Roses symbolise love in many cultures and are the most well-known of all flowers for their symbolic value. The rose represented love, beauty, and luxury throughout ancient Greece and Rome and was associated with the goddesses Aphrodite and Venus. In Sufi poetry and mysticism, the rose is a metaphor for divine love and spiritual enlightenment. In Christianity, it is associated with Virgin Mary and signifies love, purity, and beauty. Roses’ delicate and enchanting aroma is often used in rituals celebrating love, weddings, and romantic occasions.
 Sage: protection, wisdom, knowledge, immortality.
Sage is used throughout the world for culinary and health benefits. Some indigenous American cultures use sage smudging during ceremonies for its cleansing properties and as a symbol of wisdom, clarity, purification, and spiritual protection. In ancient Greece and Rome, sage was associated with Athena and Minerva as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. This belief stems from its ability to enhance memory and cognitive skills. In the Middle East and East Asia, it is used medicinally to support overall health and vitality and is associated with longevity and immortality.Â
 Sandalwood: meditation, enlightenment, wisdom.
Sandalwood has a rich history in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, symbolising purity, meditation, and spiritual enlightenment. In Hindu rituals, it is used as a sacred offering to deities and to purify the environment and the mind. In Buddhism, sandalwood represents the transience of life and is associated with spiritual cultivation. Mysore sandalwood has cultural significance in India, representing spirituality, wisdom, and devotion.
 Tuberose: purity, divinity, romance.
Tuberose has a powerful, sweet and captivating scent and is associated with sensuality, romance, and seduction, especially in Middle Eastern and the West during the Victorian era. In India, it is sacred, symbolising purity and divinity; in Latin America, it is associated with celebrations and festivals. Worldwide, the powerful fragrance is also associated with love and remembrance for those who have passed away.
 Violets: modesty, humility, faithfulness, protection.
Violets have held historical symbolism dating back to ancient civilisations, including the Greeks and Romans, where they were associated with love and fertility. During the Victorian era, violets became a symbol of modesty and were exchanged as messages of secret affection between admirers. Violets were often associated with goddesses and used in rituals related to love and as protection against evil spirits.
 Ylang-Ylang: harmony, happiness, prosperity.
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, known for its highly fragrant flowers. The name “ylang-ylang” originates from the Tagalog language in the Philippines, where it is used for reducing stress, anxiety and improving mood. It has also been used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. In some cultures, particularly Java, ylang-ylang symbolises harmony, happiness, love, fertility and prosperity. The abundance of flowers on the tree signifies prosperity and good fortune, and the flowers are used in weddings and during the “Flores de Mayo” (Flowers of May) festivals, celebrated in honour of the Virgin Mary.
Now that you have an idea which ingredients you might like to include, how can incense can benefit you and the person you’re giving it to:
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Fragrances like lavender or sandalwood help calm the nervous system, leading to reduced stress and anxiety.
- Aides in Better Sleep: By calming the mind and relaxing the body, burning incense can help you sleep better.
- Improves Air Quality: Studies have shown that burning incense can destroy bacteria and improve the air quality in a room. It can also mask unwanted odours from pets or cooking.
- Enhances your Spiritual Practice: Burning incense during meditations, prayers, or yoga can help create a calming, spiritual environment, helping you achieve a deeper connection with yourself.
- Promotes Healing Effects: Some ingredients in incense can help boost the immune system and relieve headaches, sinus ailments, and other physical discomforts.
But mostly – incense enriches our lives and others by including lovely smells in the rooms we use! Experiment with the different options and have fun!
There are many incense scents available, from traditional sandalwood to modern blends like coffee and vanilla, so there are sure to be a handful of scent that appeals to you. Have some fun with finding out which ones will suit your mood.