The Green Goddess

The use of incense dates back to biblical times and may have originated in Egypt, where the gums and resins of aromatic trees were imported from the Arabian and Somali coasts to be used in religious ceremonies. It was also used by the Pharaohs, not only to counteract unpleasant odors, but as they believed, also to drive away demons and gratify the presence of gods.

The Babylonians used incense extensively while offering prayers to divining oracles. In India some 2000 years BC various writings mention 'perfumers' and 'incense sellers'. Evidence suggests oils were used mainly for their aroma. It spread from there to Greece, and Rome. It was imported into Israel in the 5th century BC to be used in religious offerings.

Brought to Japan in the 6th century by Chinese or Korean Buddhist monks who used the mystical aromas in their purification rites, the delicate scents of Koh (high quality Japanese incense) became a source of amusement and entertainment with nobles in the Imperial Court during the Heian Era 200 years later.

During the Shogunate period in the 14th century, samurai warriors would perfume their helmets and armor with incense to achieve a proud aura of invincibility. It wasn't until the Muromachi Era during the 15th and 16th century that incense appreciation spread to the upper and middle classes of Japanese society.

Kōdō, or incense appreciation, is popular in Japanese culture.