Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve incense — a blend of resinous frankincense and pure coniferous notes of juniper. A modern revival of an ancient Ukrainian Christmas custom of smudging the home.

On Christmas Eve, Ukrainians have long kept the custom of smudging the home. In Boykivshchyna, before the holy supper, the hostess would place embers in a clay shard and cast frankincense and juniper upon them. With this smoke, she would walk through every corner of the house — guarding the home from all that was unclean. It was believed that at Christmastime evil forces were especially active. Beyond protection, the ritual was meant to bring the family prosperity and health for the year ahead. The family would bow toward the centre of the table, and the hostess would pass the shard over their heads, saying three times:
— Eat!
— We are full!
— May God grant you be full all year round!

Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) — an aromatic resin from trees of the Boswellia genus. It came to Ukraine with Christianity in the 10th century and has since been used in both church and household rituals.

Common juniper (Juniperus communis) — grows in the understorey of coniferous and mixed forests, as well as on open slopes and rocky terrain.

Burning time ~60 min per stick