[Incense Appreciation. Qiu's Commentary] The Optimal Distance and Time for Incense Use | How to Use Incense "Best"? | Incense Art | Hong Kong Incense Making |

Jun 01, 2023heungyau

If you are asking about the best time for aromatic appreciation, it is suitable throughout the four seasons, adjusting the aromatic materials based on the weather. For instance, after the beginning of spring, as we transition from cold winter, Hong Kong's spring is generally humid and stuffy. The most suitable aromatics are those that are lighter and more refreshing, such as borneol, citrus peel, and cloves. During the hot summer, when the mood easily becomes restless, one can try calming and peaceful materials like sandalwood and frankincense.

However, following the way of incense, using aromatics is appropriate at any time you feel it is suitable.

Yet, some people ask, "If I burn incense at night, will it attract 'little friends' (ghosts/spirits)?"

All beings are a form of energy, and the energy of nature is constantly flowing around us. Whether you burn incense or not, what is meant to be present is always present. As long as you maintain a respectful heart, and hold the principle of live and let live, burning incense is an enjoyment for humans and deities alike, so why be stingy about it?

Location for Incense Appreciation

While the time for burning incense is up to one's heart, the location requires more attention. Unlike incense used for worship, the focus of aromatic appreciation is not the smoke, but the fragrance. Therefore, when choosing the type of incense (e.g., sticks, cones, etc.), the key consideration is that "the less smoke, the better."

For daily use, coreless incense sticks are thinner and produce less smoke, but note that the scent strength is also related to the thickness.

The best location is at a distance of two body-lengths or at waist level. That is to say, if the incense stick is placed on a table at waist height, the distance the aroma travels to the nose is where the full fragrance can be best experienced. However, this method only applies to incense made from raw, natural plant materials. It may not apply to sticks infused with essential oils or made with deodorized powder.