Explore the role of incense in Easter, Higan, and Holi.
As the world awakens from its winter slumber, the equinox heralds the arrival of spring, a season of renewal, rebirth, and vibrant celebrations across various cultures.
Among the myriad ways people rejoice in the coming of spring, the burning of incense plays a significant role, adding an aromatic dimension to these time-honored traditions.
In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating interplay of incense and springtime celebrations, focusing on Easter, Higan, and Holi, and introduce our exquisite Origins Incense Collection, designed to bring the essence of these traditions into your home.
Easter: incense to honour the resurrection
Easter, one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its timing is intrinsically linked to the spring equinox, as Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox. This celestial dance ensures that Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25.
In sacred spaces, the air is often filled with the holy fragrances of frankincense and myrrh, symbolizing prayer and sacrifice, and rose, representing the Virgin Mary. These scents are not only a tribute to the divine but also serve to uplift the spirits of the faithful, creating an atmosphere of reverence and joy.
Higan: crossing to "the other shore"
In Japan, the equinox's arrival is marked by Higan, a Buddhist holiday that spans seven days, starting three days before and ending three days after the equinox. Higan, which means "the Other Shore," symbolizes the transition from the world of suffering to the realm of enlightenment, mirroring nature's shift from the death of winter to the rebirth of spring.
During Higan, many visit the graves of their ancestors to clean and pay respects, a practice known as ohigan. Temples fill with the deep, calming aroma of sandalwood incense, a scent used for centuries in Buddhist rituals to facilitate meditation and honour the cycle of life and death.
Holi: colours, love, and spring in the air
Holi, the Hindu festival of Colours, Love, and Spring, is perhaps one of the most vibrant celebrations of the season. It commemorates the victory of good over evil, the end of winter, and the blossoming of love, encouraging people to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive.
The festival is synonymous with the playful tossing of colored powders, but scent also plays a crucial role in the festivities. Incense made from sandalwood, jasmine and rose is commonly burned, infusing the air with fragrances that cleanse the spirit, ignite love, and welcome the new beginnings that spring brings.
Origins Incense Collection: sacred scents used around the world
Our Origins Incense Collection is a tribute to the rich tapestry of cultural and religious celebrations worldwide. Crafted with reverence for tradition and a passion for natural beauty, this collection contains one package of sandalwood, rose, jasmine, patchouli, cinnamon spice and frankincense and myrrh incense
Our Origins Incense Collection invites you to create your own springtime rituals, blending ancient traditions with the unique cadence of your modern life. As you light each incense stick, let the fragrances guide you through a journey of rebirth, reflection, and jubilation, honouring the timeless cycles of the earth and the enduring human spirit.
Spring is a time of profound transformation in nature and within ourselves. By burning incense, we connect with age-old practices that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, united in the celebration of life's eternal renewal. Welcome the season of rebirth with our Origins Incense Collection, and let the ancient aromas inspire a spring awakening in your soul.
Written by Flore
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