The Emergence of Stick Incense: A Milestone in Incense History
The advent of stick incense represents a remarkable development in the history of incense. Initially appearing in the Yuan dynasty, stick incense served not only as a timekeeping device but also marked a significant cultural evolution. Known as “xiang cun” or “incense inch,” this innovation is well-documented in historical records from the Yuan era.
Historical Background
Stick incense, also referred to as “immortal incense” or “longevity incense,” has a rich history. During the Tang dynasty, incense pillars were short and thick. By the Song dynasty, the technique of making incense sticks with molds had developed, although these were still relatively thick and known as “xiang jin” or “zhu xiang.” It was during the Yuan dynasty that the term “stick incense” became popular, and by the Ming dynasty, its use was widespread.
Xiong Jinxiang’s Records of Xijin mentions, “In Zhanlu Lane, from south to north, there are many carvers, calligraphers, and those making ivory spoons, as well as various kinds of stick incense.” Additionally, Xue Han’s poem Jin Xiang describes the creation of stick incense: “A unique fragrance refined with precision, slender stems stand upright. The ash melts like snow, the flame flickers like fireflies at dusk.”
Cultural Impact
The introduction of stick incense transformed the way people used incense. Traditional incense tools, such as incense burners and boxes, underwent significant changes. With the advent of stick incense, incense boxes became obsolete, and incense burners no longer required lids. The size of incense burners also changed, leading to the development of small incense holders and tubes, making the use of incense more convenient and versatile.
Lengths and Usage
Stick incense comes in various lengths, each offering different burn times, typically ranging from twenty to sixty minutes. Traditional stick incense lengths are seven centimeters, fourteen centimeters, and twenty-one centimeters. These specific lengths have cultural significance, influenced by the Five Elements and the Eight Trigrams. The seventh trigram, “Gen,” signifies “stopping” or “stillness.” Hence, traditional incense lengths are multiples of seven. Seven-centimeter sticks are ideal for portability, while fourteen and twenty-one-centimeter sticks are suited for indoor use. Twenty-eight-centimeter sticks are primarily used for Buddhist rituals.
The emergence of stick incense not only enriched the cultural practices surrounding incense but also enhanced the convenience and versatility of its use. This development deeply embedded itself in the daily lives and spiritual practices of many, marking a significant milestone in the history of incense. Understanding the evolution of stick incense offers valuable insights into the cultural and historical contexts that continue to influence its use today.
