Smoking Incense Spirals
Humans has used forms of incense since the dawn of history. With the discovery of fire, our ancestors realized that most materials give off a unique aroma when burnt. The air is quickly filled with aromas simply by throwing some dried leaves, spices or twigs into a fire. There is historic evidence in most cultures that our ancestors used incense for sacred and healing purposes as we do today. From ancient times people recognized that aromas produced by burning materials could heighten the senses. Other benefits ascribed to the burning of incense include the purification of an area, for meditation or to cleanse living spaces, especially after pollution caused by death or illness. Incense served many uses through the centuries in various parts of the world, and particularly in China and Japan. Spiral coils were used for marking time, even alarm clocks. When the coil was suspended from its innermost end it would hang down in the form of an attractive opened spiral. When lighted it burned slowly and at an even rate, indicating the time as it reached and passed each of the markings. This form of incense can be found suspended from the rafters of many Buddhist temples where today is use is votive only. Some of these incense spirals last for many days.
Size: 5530px × 3686px
Location: Hong Kong, China
Photo credit: © John Lander / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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