Things to consider when giving incense as a gift: types, how to write on gift wrapping paper, and average prices

The meaning of sending incense

Do you know the original meaning of offering incense at Buddhist ceremonies?

The meaning of incense changes depending on whether it is before or after the 49th day memorial service after the death of the deceased.

Up until the 49th day, it is called "Jikikou," which means constantly burning incense and "offering food" so that the soul of the deceased wandering between this world and the next will not be short of food.

After 49 days, the soul of the deceased departs for the afterlife.

From this point on, the main purpose of incense is to "communicate with the deceased" through the fragrant scent that floats through the air.

In addition to purifying the body with its pleasant scent, the incense also serves to purify the space where the Buddhist altar is located.

Situations in which to give incense

There are five main situations in which you might choose incense as a gift.

As a condolence gift

The most common is as a condolence gift.

This gift can also be sent if you are unable to attend the wake or funeral due to circumstances such as living far away.

As a return gift for a mourning postcard

It is also sometimes sent as a response to a mourning postcard.

If you learned of a death through a mourning postcard sent at the end of the year, send incense and candles to the bereaved family.

As an offering for Obon (first Obon)

Incense is also an essential gift for offerings during Obon (first Obon).

Give this in memory of the deceased.

For weddings

Incense sticks are sometimes given as gifts at weddings.

The purpose here is to inform the other party's ancestors that you will soon be family members.

When giving gifts at weddings, the mizuhiki used is knotted in gold, silver, or red and white.

It is common to write "Ancestors" in the upper right corner of the envelope, and "Souvenir," "Longevity," or "Offering" in the center.

For Mother's Day and Father's Day visits

If you have lost both parents, incense may be offered as a gift on Mother's Day or Father's Day visits.

In some cases, incense that smells like the deceased's favorite flowers is given as a gift.

Types of Fragrant Wood

Let's take a look at the three most commonly used types of fragrant wood and their characteristics.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is a classic fragrance that is used for a variety of purposes (medicinal purposes, crafts, etc.).

The elegant scent of sandalwood is said to match the noble atmosphere of Buddha, making it useful for offerings to Buddhist altars and for memorial services and Buddhist rites.

agarwood

Kyara is a particularly high quality agarwood.

It is a luxury item that is popular as a gift and is known for its "mysterious fragrance."

These incense sticks make a perfect gift for the deceased, even if you are unable to attend the funeral.

Points to consider when choosing the type of incense

In addition to the scent, there are several other points to consider when choosing incense.

First, the length.

The most popular incense sticks used at home are 4.5 sun (around 14 cm) in length and are called "short incense sticks."

On the other hand, the long incense sticks (around 70cm depending on the product) that are often used in temples are called "long incense sticks."

When choosing incense as a gift, it is best to choose short incense sticks that are "gift-ready" and come in a paulownia or black box.

In situations where you may receive incense from many people, such as after a funeral, it may be a good idea to use incense that will not overlap with others, such as a ``low smoke type'' or a smokeless ``diffuser type.''

How to write and attach a gift tag

The inscription on the gift wrapping paper should read "Goreizan" (present to the spirit) until the 49th day after the death, and "Gobutsuzen" (present to the Buddha) after the 49th day.

"Offerings" can also be used at all Buddhist ceremonies.

However, in the Jodo Shinshu sect only, the body becomes "Gobutsuzen" from the day of death.

The way noshi paper is wrapped varies depending on the region, but the common "outside noshi" has the advantage that it makes it easy to identify the sender when a large number of people gather.

On the other hand, if you want to show modesty, you can use "uchi-noshi" , where the gift wrapping paper is revealed after opening the package.

If you learn of a death through a mourning postcard, it would be a good idea to send a letter of condolence to express your feelings along with a gift of incense.

Market price of incense as a gift

We will introduce the characteristics of each price range and suitable situations when choosing incense as a gift.

From 1,000 yen

This type of incense is often chosen when you don't want to make the other person feel uncomfortable.

From 3,000 yen

This is the most popular price range for gift incense, making it the perfect incense to give as a gift.

From 5,000 yen

These incense sticks are perfect for giving as a special gift to a teacher, boss, or other person who has been kind to you.

Etiquette when handing over incense

There are also manners to follow when actually handing over incense.

Please check this at the time of delivery.

Handing over etiquette

When bringing it with you, put it in a furoshiki or carrier bag.

It is common to hand it over after being shown inside the recipient's home, rather than immediately upon arriving at their home.

After exchanging greetings, check the item for any imperfections such as dirt or scratches, and then hand it over to the recipient.

They may be handed over at the front door or offered at the Buddhist altar (altar).

However, if the other party is busy preparing for a memorial service, you should be considerate and simply hand it over to them with a request to "please offer this at the altar."

Delivery Manners

When delivering the gift, it is a good idea to include a condolence letter as well.

The content can be short.

If you do not know the names of the family members, write "Name of the deceased, Family members" or "Family members of Mr./Ms. XX" or "Family members of the XX family."

There are also incense sticks that can be easily given to many people as a healing item.

In addition to the situations we have discussed so far, there are also incense sticks that can be easily given to many people, such as to help someone relax, as a baby gift, or for use on a family altar.

"Hito/toki" is an incense suitable for such purposes.

This incense was created with the hope that people can live lives that enrich their time and the people they love through fragrance. It combines the calming effect that comes from the series of steps required to burn incense with the convenience of a diffuser type.

Even those who live in an environment where they cannot use fire, such as those with small children, can enjoy the wonderful scent of incense.

This will not only help the person themselves, but also the elderly and family members who live far away to feel more at ease.

The most important thing about a gift is to convey your feelings.

The meaning of giving incense changes around the 49th day, and there are many different situations in which it is given as a gift.

In addition to choosing the type of wood (such as sandalwood, agarwood, or Kyara) according to the recipient's preferences and the situation, you also need to consider how to wrap the gift in gift wrapping paper and the proper etiquette when handing it over.

However, the most important thing about a gift is that it conveys your feelings.

In formal situations, be sure to stick to the basics and express modesty, but don't forget to add your feelings.