The use of incense dates back to biblical times and may have originated in Egypt, where the gums and resins of aromatic trees were imported from the Arabian and Somali coasts to be used in religious ceremonies. It was also used by the Pharaohs, not only to counteract unpleasant odors, but as they believed, also to drive away demons and gratify the presence of the gods.
The Babylonians used incense extensively while offering prayers to divining oracles. In India, around 2000 B.C.T., various writings mention "perfumers" and "incense sellers". Evidence suggests oils were used mainly for their aroma. Incense spread from there to Greece and Rome. Incense was imported into Israel in the 5th century B.C.T. to be used in religious offerings.
Brought to Japan in the 6th century of the Christian calendar by Chinese Buddhist monks, who used the mystical aromas in their purification rites, the delicate scents of Koh (high-quality Japanese incense) became a source of amusement and entertainmtne with nobles in the Imperial Court during the Heian Era 200 years later.
During the Shogunate period in the 14th century of the Christian calendar, samurai warriors would perfume their helmets and armor with incense to achieve a proud aura of invincibility. It was not until the Muromachi Era during the 15th and 16th century that incense appreciation (Kodo) spread to the upper and middle classes of Japanese society.
When, exactly, incense was introduced into the religious services of the Christian Church is not precisely known. During the first four centuries, there is no evidence for its use. Nevertheless, its common employment in the Temple and the references to it in the New Testament suggest an early familiarity with it in Christian worship.
Symbolically, incense, with its sweet-smelling perfume and high-ascending smoke, is typical of the good Christian's prayer, which, enkindled in the heart by the fire of God's love and exhaling the odor of Christ, rises up as a pleasing offering to God's sight.
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