2024-12-12 14:10:00
When Jesus was born, the wise men from the East brought incense and gold to Bethlehem. the solidified resin of the rare frankincense tree and its history can hardly be better explored than in a souk in Oman’s capital,Muscat.
Shadows in long robes race in the semi-darkness, running from store to store, disappearing up three flights of stairs into stores that measure only a few square meters and have shelves that reach to the ceiling.
It has a sweet smell, of sugar and strong tea, also of tobacco and oriental spices – and above all of festivity, of church, of worship, in some way of Christmas.
Meanwhile, from outside, a neighborhood muezzin calls for prayer, and from afar others join the choir. Its minaret is as invisible as itself, hidden behind the beamed ceiling and stained glass roof above the alleys of Muscat’s Al Muttrah Bazaar.
A few seconds earlier, Murtada Najwani had appeared at the counter of Bakhoor al-Ameen in a long white robe: he needed four kilos. Urgent. He has almost nothing left, the house supplies are almost finished. “Good quality, please,” he said and pointed to the mountain to the left of the counter, “About this!”
Al-Ameen takes the shovel and plunges it into the pile of yellow-brown stones, each a different shape, all hard and yet none truly stony. he puts them on old-fashioned scales and juggles the weights.
What does Bakhoor al-Ameen sell? Incense. And myrrh. In the third generation in the small family shop in the middle of the al Muttrah souk in the capital of Oman. During his working day he doesn’t see what the weather is like. He chats, collects money and calls in the semi-darkness of the covered bazaar.
If the sun shines? More likely. As almost always here, near the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, less than 100 meters from the shore of the Indian Ocean. What’s cooking in that little bowl next to the cash register? Incense. Naturally.
and what does Murtada want with those four kilos? He burns them little by little together with a few pieces of coal, throughout the house, throughout the day, in small terracotta bowls that look like aroma lamps. He loves this perfume,he has known it since he was a child and he only avoids this smell when he travels. “He belongs here. At home. It’s like your garden. You don’t take it with you when you travel,” he says. The one he just bought should last about a month.
Incense has long been a mystery
In the past this substance was weighed in gold; for a long time Europeans did not know what material it was actually about, whether it was of mineral or vegetal origin. and where exactly does it come from. The mystery surrounding this material made it even more interesting in antiquity and the Middle Ages.
incense was so precious to
Even today, people in the West associate incense with Christmas. Bakhoor al-Ameen heard this: “For the Magi from the East brought frankincense and myrrh as precious gifts to Bethlehem.” And as he says this, some fragments slide back and forth between the fingers of his right hand.
The frankincense tree thrives only in a few very specific climate zones. It must be warm, but also humid.It should drizzle occasionally, but it shouldn’t rain. This is the case in southern Oman, in the hinterland of Salalah, 1,000 kilometers from the bazaars of the capital, as well as in Yemen, some south-western corners of Saudi Arabia and Somalia.
With candy against demons
The alleged stones are the hardened resin of the incense tree, which rarely exceeds two and a half meters, develops a large foliage and offers an average yield of between three and seven kilos per year. The bark is scratched three times over the course of twelve months and milky resin comes out which soon solidifies. The third harvest always offers the best quality.
according to tradition, collecting incense is not entirely safe. No man should ever do this, never without first beating the drums and singing, and certainly not without placing a bowl of the sweet halwa beside the tree. Oman believes that under every incense tree lives a demon that needs to be appeased.
And so as not to feel too weak,they come with 25 men and ask the demon in their songs if they can collect. This has practical benefits: the legend helped protect the trees. For centuries,fear of the demon has prevented thieves from secretly gathering incense in remote valleys at night.
Does incense have an effect? Murtada Najwani shrugs: “They say it feeds angels. And yet: it smells fantastic and kills flies.” Now he laughs. And quickly puts another crumb on the fire.
Tips and data for Oman:
I arrive: Take a flight,for example Omani air (www.omanair.com) from Frankfurt or Munich to Muscat. Other airlines offer connecting connections.
accomodation: The “Centara Muscat” is located in the center of the Al-Ghala buisness district. An overnight stay in a double room for two people starts from just under 50 euros. Directly on the Gulf of Oman to the east of the city lies the “Shangri-la Barr al Jissah“, from 235 euros.
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Participation in the trip was supported by Shangri-la. Our standards of transparency and journalistic independence can be found at go2.as/unabhaengigkeit.
– How is frankincense harvested and processed for use today?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Frankincense Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’re diving into a fascinating topic: frankincense. A resin that has been revered for centuries, and its importance has even reached biblical lore. Can you start by explaining what frankincense is and why it has been such a treasure throughout history?
Expert: Thank you for having me! Frankincense is the aromatic resin obtained from the Boswellia tree, primarily found in regions like Oman, Yemen, and parts of somalia. historically,it was valued not only for its unique fragrance but also for its use in religious rituals,traditional medicine,and even as currency. Actually, it was so precious that it was frequently enough weighed in gold! Its association with the gifts presented to Jesus by the Magi further highlights its cultural and spiritual significance.
Editor: That’s quite intriguing! In your experience, how does the production of frankincense work? I understand it thrives in very specific climatic conditions.
Expert: Absolutely, the frankincense tree prefers a warm, humid climate with specific rainfall patterns—it needs a drizzle rather than heavy rain. Collecting the resin involves making incisions in the bark,allowing the sap to ooze out and harden into what we recognize as “tears” of frankincense. The yield is relatively low, averaging between three to seven kilograms per tree annually, which makes it a lasting yet precious resource.
Editor: Speaking of its scarcity, the act of purchasing frankincense in places like Muscat’s Al Muttrah Bazaar sounds like a rich experience. Can you describe how the market atmosphere contributes to the gratitude of frankincense?
Expert: The ambiance of the souk plays a huge role in the overall experience. The blend of spices, the warmth from incense burning, and the sounds of merchants calling out their wares create a sensory tapestry that is truly enchanting.When people smell frankincense in such an surroundings, it often takes them back to deep-rooted traditions and memories. It’s not just a transaction; it’s a part of cultural heritage.
editor: I can only imagine how evocative that must be! The article mentions Murtada Najwani needing four kilos of frankincense. How do people typically use it, and what is its relevance in everyday life today?
Expert: Great question! many people, like Murtada, burn frankincense in their homes as a means of purifying the air, creating a pleasant fragrance, and enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. It’s commonly used in rituals during holidays and is a staple in many households. The scent of frankincense can evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia, as many have grown up with it in their lives, tied intimately to family gatherings and traditional practices.
Editor: That’s really touching. The connection to one’s home and memories adds a whole new depth to the appreciation of this resin. The piece also mentioned that frankincense had a mysterious allure in the past. How has our perception of it changed over time?
Expert: Historically, there were many misconceptions about frankincense. Europeans, as an example, were largely unaware of its origin and its true nature for centuries. Today,while its mystique remains,there is a greater understanding and appreciation of its properties,both as a medicinal agent and in aromatherapy. More recently, people are also becoming more interested in sustainable sourcing and the ecological impact of harvesting frankincense, acknowledging the need to protect these precious trees.
editor: It’s certainly heartening to see that appreciation evolve. Before we wrap up, what is one captivating fact about frankincense that most people might not know?
Expert: Many people don’t realize that frankincense has use beyond fragrance—it’s been studied for its potential health benefits, notably anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests that it may help with conditions like arthritis and even contribute to stress relief. This connection between ancient practice and modern science really highlights how timeless frankincense truly is.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your insights on frankincense. It’s clear that this gorgeous resin has so much history and significance, and its story is as rich as its aroma!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to talk about such a remarkable part of our cultural heritage.