In ancient times, a person felt defenseless in front of the outside world. Nature was not only a good ally to him, but also an insidious enemy. Diseases, wars, crop failures and famine threatened innumerable troubles. And the darkness, the spirits of the night, ghosts and demons, which were not so easy to deal with, were especially terrible. As an effective protective measure, an ancient man put on his neck an incense. The darkness of centuries has swept over the planet for a long time. However, in our advanced era of computers and the Internet, no, no, and you see someone on the neck, next to the pectoral cross, the treasured bag.
What is frankincense
Linen, canvas, silk or satin, on a coarse lace, thin rope or chain, hidden on his chest, this bag was worn under clothes and a noble socialite beauty, and a royal nobleman of blue blood, and a hardworking plowman, dawn to dawn watering his cornfield . Such different people nevertheless believed that frankincense would save them from many troubles and misfortunes. What is it, we found out. But what is the content of these bags? Here you can conduct a whole study.
Magic item
Back in pagan times, there were various amulets and charms that people tried to have with them. These were objects spellbound by sorcerers and shamans, mixtures of aromatic herbs, tinctures, elixirs and much more that human superstition elevated to the rank of absolute. In general, it was for magical purposes that incense was invented. That this is the strongest amulet, the action of which is not limited by time, no one doubted. The main thing was to properly fill it. The bones of animals and birds, the dried legs of frogs and the skin of snakes, the claws and teeth of predators were used. Or “magic” stones (in ancient times, magnets were considered, for example), which included some precious and semiprecious stones. This is what incense looked like in general terms in pre-Christian times. What kind of amulet it is, what function it performed for different nations — many books have been written about this by ethnographic experts.
Christian times
With the spread of Christianity, the contents of the incense sticks began to change. A little church consecrated incense was put in a pouch; it was believed to drive away evil spirits, dispel obsessions, and purify a person’s body and soul. By the way, hence the name of the sac: frankincense. It is hard to say what it really gave to those who carried it. Most likely, it really helped. In addition to aromatic substances, various shrines were sewn into it. For example, special, guarded prayers and psalms, small icons depicting Christ, the Mother of God, and holy martyrs copied by hand or by monks. Patients suffering from bodily ailments tried to get pieces of the relics of their heavenly patrons or saints, known for healing. They, too, were carefully sewn into the incense. When, in the Middle Ages, Catholic priests traded indulgences, naive believers tried to keep these absenteeism in body bags.
Special purpose
In addition to universal ones, special incense sticks were made for men and for women. For example, collecting her son, brother, husband for war, his relatives always made a talisman, where salvation prayers were put. According to popular beliefs, they were supposed to protect from an arrow and a knife, a bullet and a projectile, avert disaster during the battle, and contribute to the rapid healing of wounds. In addition to other ordinary shrines, a handful of native land was poured into such Orthodox incense sticks so that it would give the warrior physical and mental strength, so that he would not forget his father's house and family, his wife. Other incense sticks were made. In order for a man to maintain his ardor and reproductive function until old, special herbs and charmed objects were sewn into it. The corresponding amulets helped women conceive and bear the baby, safely resolve the burden, and remain attractive and desirable for the husband. Such an incense on the neck contained prayers to the Mother of God, suitable Dreams of the Virgin and ritual consecrated or uttered gizmos.
Home iconostasis
Christened people keep at home icons - family, personalized. They are hung in the corner reserved for this or put on shelves. In the old days, such a corner was called red. Church incense is set near them. This is usually a censer, where pieces of incense lie. They are set on fire and fumigated by a living room or left to slowly smoke under the images. They also call containers where aromatic liquids or oils are poured. By cleansing the air in a house or apartment, this incense helps to establish a special kind atmosphere in the home. However, its function can be performed by an ordinary porcelain saucer or a small plate.
Attitude to the Wands of the Church Ministers
This question, it is worth noting, is not even idle.
The Orthodox Church does not approve of magical rites and rituals, amulets and charms, which, as already mentioned, are incense pads. Although their name is connected with church incense, however, nothing is said in any Bible texts, writings of the Holy Fathers, lives and other religious literature about incense. There are no decrees, decisions, recommendations about them among the documents adopted at the time of the
Ecumenical Councils. There are no data in other church teachings. That is the way priests of Orthodox churches answer the question about the incense. What is the conclusion? That's right, about the pagan nature of these now Christian relics. Therefore, the Church does not bless the carrying of incense next to baptismal crosses. But it does not prohibit.
Wearing rules
How to wear incense and whether to wear it at all is a personal matter of every Christian. This may be an additional shrine, which seems to a person a reliable protection from demonic and other evil. He himself determines the composition of the incense. Relatives can give it as well, explaining necessarily what is in the pouch, how to use it, what saints to pray. Parts of the clothes of the martyrs of the saints and their relics, the monastery’s consecrated land, stones selected in the Holy Land, and many other cult objects containing God's grace, of course, are difficult for ordinary Orthodox to get. But incense is the most accessible shrine. A bag with him and other relics, as already mentioned, is worn on the neck. You can pin it to underwear. During water procedures, the incense, of course, is removed. Wash the bag is not recommended. Simply, over time, transfer its contents to another handbag, and use it further. Some, using the techniques of village magic, after 3 months carry the bag on themselves, part of the incense is buried from it in the territory of the existing monastery. A church egregor, connecting to a person, helps him.
God bless you, Mother of God and holy angels with archangels!