Incense burner

Traditional Omani censer (Majmar)

• Usually ceramic, clay or metal.
• Often hand-decorated with geometric or folklore patterns.
• They have an open shape in the shape of a bowl or cup for carbon and resin.
• They are used in households and on festive occasions (e.g. welcoming guests).

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How the censer works:

Heat – Carbon (or a tealight in modern types)  is placed in the incense burner.

Resin/incense – A grain of incense (e.g. Boswellia sacra) is placed on the glowing coals.

Smoke – Fragrant smoke is produced with therapeutic, antiseptic and spiritual effects.

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Incense burner use:

• Religious ceremonies – Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism.
• Home rituals – cleansing the space, meditation, relaxation.
• Aromatherapy – against stress, inflammation, insomnia.
• Traditional medicine – e.g. in Asia and Oman as a remedy against respiratory problems.
• Aesthetics & fragrance – fragrance of clothes, rooms, perfume shops.

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The symbolism of the censer:

• Purification – smoke symbolizes cleansing from negative energy or evil spirits.
• Connection with spirituality – rising smoke symbolizes prayers ascending to heaven.
• Hospitality – in the Arab world, incense is offered to guests as a sign of respect.