It is interesting to note that the sense of smell is more primitive than the other senses and is directly linked to that part of the brain which is older, in an evolutionary sense, as compared to the rest of the brain. Is it any wonder then, that incense, which has all to do with our sense of smell, dates back to the dawn of history itself and the burning of incense is one of the oldest practices of mankind? The origin of using aromatic substances can be traced back to the Stone Age or probably even before that. In India... In India, often considered the home of incense, it is eulogized in the Vedas, back in the era 5000 B.C. The traditional well-known scents of ancient India were Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood, Champa, and Cedar & Musk. Ancient Sanskrit texts contain many beautiful descriptions of festive occasions when incense was burned in the homes and streets. Indeed, fragrance has played a dominant role in Hindu religious rituals since Vedic times and is intimately linked to the haven or yagna i.e. the sacrificial fire. Offerings or oblations consisting of aromatic and medicinal herbs, resins, barks, leaves, exudates (gums which flow from trees) twigs, roots & seeds along with foodstuffs and ghee were made to Agni , the god of fire who, according to mythology, carried them to the celestials. This was done to appease the gods for ushering in prosperity or avoiding disaster. The emanating fumes, have unique aromatic properties, purify the environment and had a vitalizing and invigorating effect on individuals, besides acting as a natural disinfectant. They said to ward off evil spirits, alleviate anxiety and create an aura of tranquility and help in experiencing the divine presence.

Gums and resins of aromatic trees were imported from Somalia in the Arabian peninsula to ancient Egypt to be used in religious ceremonies. Incense held a direct connection with the dead. Each incense had a specific purpose and effect.

The Babylonians used incense extensively while offering prayers or divining oracles.

The sophisticated Greeks appreciated aromatic sources as the turpentine tree, myrrh, frankincense and cinnamon. These were burnt as oblation & for protection.

In Rome it was an important element in public and private sacrifices, especially in the worship of the emperor. It is well known that when Jesus was born, frankincense and myrrh were presented to him along with gold by the three wise men of the East. Today Roman Catholic as well as Protestant and the Eastern Orthodox Churches use incense at mass and in many other rituals.

The Chinese use it to honour ancestors and household or tutelary deities.

Buddhists burn it at festivals, initiations or daily rites. It is used in their meditation, to induce self –awareness.

Mystical aspects of incense have withstood the test of time, making it absolutely necessary for any magical or occult practice.

As such, these aromatic substances have been of fundamental relevance to religious and cultural practices and developments throughout history and have been an inspiration for explorers, aristocrats, writers, artists, poets, merchants and priests and the world trade in these scents of nature has never declined.