What is incense? - Written by Fantopia.net

Man has enjoyed burning incense since the dawn of civilization. The fragrant smoke produced by burning the incense has been used all over the world. The reasons for incense usage is widely diverse as it has and still is used in religious ceremonies, in medicine and personal use for it's aesthetic value. It's use has different meanings from people and place of origin.

Incense comes in two forms; in-direct burning and direct burning. Aromatic ingredients that are consumed when it is placed on another source of heat or coal embers is in-direct burning. The aromatic smoke does not last as long and some of these fragrant ingredients will be quite strong. Direct burning is the most common method of incense burning as little or no preparation is required. This class of incense is of a molded substance that once lit with a flame, will continue to burn and consume itself, while the fragrance is released. This is known as direct burning. The molded substance can be made from a combination of charcoal and wood ingredients infused with oils and other fragrant mediums to produce a slow and steady burn. The direct burn incense can come in three forms; cone, stick and coil.

Incense is a feast for the sense of smell, as good food tantalizes man's sense of taste and gives a feeling of contentment and well being. The sense of smell soothes the soul, relaxes you and gives off a positive effect and puts you in a better frame of mind. The fragrances are so varied you couldn't believe the many choices that are available on the market today. There are florals like rose, lilac, and lily, fruits like strawberry, cherry, and watermelon, spices, perfumes, herbs and even candy scents and fragrances. Some incense fragrances resemble environments like the ocean, woods, and even the rain.

Fantopia.net has cone and stick incense, CD Incense Travel Kits and Incense Gift Sets. We also carry fairy incense burners, dragon incense burners, mermaid incense burners, gargoyle incense burners, and wizard incense burners. We even carry fantasy art fairy and mermaid incense cloth bags! Be sure to check them out.