Why is incense historically used in the church?

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Incense is made up of various spices and gums that give off a pleasant smell when burned. In some churches, incense is burned during religious ceremonies. Incense is placed into a metal ball that is hung from a chain; this is swung as it is carried around the church.

Incense During Prayer

One of the meanings of burning incense is a representation of prayer. As the clouds of smoke float upward, prayers also float up to the heavens.

Incense During Ceremony

During a religious ceremony, such as Communion, a funeral or a wedding, incense can be used as a sign of sacrifice. The burning of valuable items is a way to surrender possessions before God.

Incense in Other Uses

Incense may be burned around religious idols, relics and even members of the clergy. In this case, it is being used as a way of honoring these items, and showing that they are holy.

History of Incense

Historically, the use of incense goes back to biblical times. In both the Old and the New Testament, there are passages about the use of incense during ceremonies. It is associated with Christian churches, including the Holy Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church in particular.

Churches Without Incense

Protestant churches stopped using incense during the Reformation. In this period, churches broke away from the traditional way of idolizing relics, adornments and even clergy. Instead, churches became more simple. Today, most Protestant Christian churches keep this tradition and do not burn incense.

Source:

Orthodox Research Institute: The Use of Incense in Church

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Why is incense historically used in the church?

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