Fragrance and fire played a key role in the lives of the ancient Egyptians, combining sacred meaning and practical application. Although the familiar wax candles came much later, the ancient Egyptians used lamps impregnated with aromatic oils and resins, which can be considered the predecessors of modern candles. These aromatic light sources fulfilled important functions in religious rituals, daily life and funerary rites, symbolising the connection between the earthly and the divine.
The role of scents and fire in Egyptian religion
Religion played a central role in Ancient Egyptian life and fire combined with fragrances was used for purification, worship of the gods and to create a sacred atmosphere. Egyptians believed that the smoke of aromatic substances helped the souls of the dead and prayers ascend to the gods, securing their favour.
Special importance was attached to incense – aromatic resins and oils, which were burned on altars or used to impregnate wicks in oil lamps. Among the most popular fragrances were:
Frankincense, a resin symbolising purity and spirituality. It was burned in temples, especially at sacrifices.
Myrrh – considered a means of protection from evil spirits and used in purification rituals.
Sandalwood – used in rituals and in the making of aromatic oils for lamps.
These scents blended with the smoke and light of the fire, creating a special atmosphere that emphasised the connection between the earthly world and the world of the gods.
Candles and oil lamps in rituals
Traditional candles, in our modern sense, did not yet exist in Ancient Egypt, but the Egyptians actively used oil lamps and torches. The lamps were filled with aromatic oils and vegetable fats, and the wicks were made of linen cloth. Such lamps not only illuminated rooms but also filled them with fragrant aroma.
Light and fragrance were important in temples. In the temple of Amon at Karnak, the fire of oil lamps created an atmosphere of sacred presence, and the odours of frankincense and myrrh symbolised purity and the favour of the gods. Priests lit lamps in front of statues of the gods during daily rituals, which included offerings of food, wine and incense.
Funerary rituals were also accompanied by the use of scented lamps. They were placed in tombs along with vessels filled with oils and resins. The lamps were supposed to light the way for the soul of the deceased to the afterlife, and the aromatic additives helped the soul to undergo purification and find peace.
Ritual fragrances and their preparation
In Ancient Egypt, the production of fragrances and incense was considered a true art, and the recipes for their preparation were carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation. One of the most famous incense was Kifi, a unique mixture of up to 16 components. Among them were frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, saffron and honey. Kifi was used during evening prayers, to purify rooms and even to improve the quality of sleep.
The process of fragrance creation was strictly regulated and consisted of several stages. First, the ingredients were gathered, using local plants and resins as well as rare ingredients imported from Punta, a region in what is now Somalia. The ingredients were then ground by grinding them into a powder and mixed with honey or aromatic oils to make a paste-like mixture. At the final stage, the mixture was dried and either burned or added to oil lamps to spread the fragrance.
Incense played an important role not only in temples and religious rituals, but also in the daily lives of the Egyptians. They were used to scent homes, clothing and even cosmetics. Women applied aromatic oils to their skin to scent and care for their bodies, and men used incense during festivals and feasts to anoint them, emphasising the solemnity of the moment and creating an atmosphere of luxury and purity.
Aromatic lamps in households and festivals
In addition to temples and rituals, scented lamps were used extensively in the home. The Egyptians lit their homes with lamps impregnated with aromatic oils, which created a pleasant odour and purified the air. The lamps were made of ceramic, stone or bronze, and their wicks were dipped in oil with frankincense or sandalwood.
Scented lamps were of particular importance during festivals. For example:
- The festival of Opet, a festival dedicated to the god Amon, during which priests lit lamps and burned incense to honour the god.
- Festivals in honour of Osiris – light and fragrance symbolised rebirth and purification of the soul.
In everyday life, aromatic lamps were also used for relaxation and well-being. The smoke of incense was considered a means of protection against disease and evil spirits.
Symbolism of fire and aromas
Fire and aromatics carried deep symbolic meaning for the ancient Egyptians. Fire was associated with life and rebirth, as the light of lamps and the aroma of incense were traditionally used in rituals dedicated to Osiris, the god of the afterlife, symbolising eternal renewal and the cycle of life. In addition, fire represented purity and protection: the aromatic smoke rising to the sky was considered a means of expelling evil spirits and cleansing the space of negative energy, creating a safe and favourable atmosphere.
Equally important was the symbolism of divine presence. Lamps were lit in front of statues of the gods, symbolising their awakening and presence on earth. The fire served as a link between people and deities, strengthening their spiritual bond. Fragrances, in turn, symbolised the transition between worlds. The smoke of incense was perceived as a material embodiment of prayers, which, rising to the sky, reached the gods, ensuring their favour and protection.
The use of aromatic lamps and oils in ancient Egypt had practical and sacred significance. Fragrances and fire created an atmosphere of sanctity and protection, accompanying the Egyptians from birth to death. Luminaries with aromatic additives can be considered the predecessors of modern candles, and their use in religious and everyday practices testifies to a deep understanding of the symbolism of light and fragrance in the culture of Ancient Egypt.
Questions and Answers
Fire symbolised life, purity and divine presence, linking the earthly and divine worlds.
Egyptians used oil lamps with linen wicks filled with aromatic oils or fats.
The smoke of incense symbolised the offering of prayers to the gods, purified the space and protected against evil spirits.
Kifi is a mixture of incense used for purification, religious rituals and to create an atmosphere of peace.