Censers

A censer, also called a thurible in some liturgical contexts, is a vessel designed to burn incense and to distribute its smoke through a ceremonial space. Typically a metal container with a lid or perforated cap, it is suspended from chains or carried on a handle so the incense can be wafted during processions or prayers.

Censers are usually made of brass, bronze, or silver, and some are elaborately decorated with engravings, enamel, or inlay. The burning material is typically charcoal combined with incense resin or powder; the lid or cap is perforated to allow smoke to escape, and many designs include an inner chamber or grate to hold the burning fuel. Some censers are handheld, while others are suspended on multiple chains for controlled swinging.

Religious and cultural practices across the world employ censers in varied ways. In Christian liturgy, the thurible is swung by a priest or deacon during processions, at the entrance of the church, or near the altar, and during certain prayers and sacraments. In Judaism, incensing appears in various services and rituals, with vessels used to burn selected incense or spices. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and some East Asian traditions, censers and incense burners are common in temples and home shrines, often symbolizing purification and reverence.

Symbolically, the rising smoke is taken to represent prayers rising to the divine, the purification of space, and offerings to deities. The aroma depends on the type of incense—resins like frankincense or myrrh, woods, and blends—affecting both mood and duration of use.

Safety and maintenance focus on preventing fire hazards, using appropriate heat sources, ensuring ventilation, and cleaning ash after use. Modern variations include simpler domestic models and electric or self-contained units.