CULTURE

In the upper and middle classes in many civilizations, burning of incense at home was acknowledged as a sign of nobility.

As long as Pharaohnic times, the usage in Egyptian tombs was purely for aroma, making the resting place of an emperor more dignified.

Taoist Chinese believe incense burning in homes and not dedicated to sacred use attract the dreaded ghosts!

In certain cultures in south-east Asia, fighters wore incensed and perfumed helmets for invincibility in battles.

Traditionally, in their daily life, women used incense vapors after bath to perfume their long, beautiful hair, using particularly ‘Agar’,’Bakhoor’ and ‘Oodh’. This is prevalent in modern times as well in the Middle East, the Sub-Continent, South-East Asia and beyond.

Even today, it’s a lifestyle. In many parts of the world the first thing businessmen, trading houses and retail shop-owners begin the day with, is by lighting up incense sticks in their premises.