What do Arabs use for home fragrance?
Arabs use a variety of methods for home fragrance, including burning incense and using scented oils or candles. Today our star is 'Bakhoor' or Incense.
Arabs use a variety of methods for home fragrance, including burning incense and using scented oils or candles. Some popular scents used in Arab cultures include frankincense, myrrh, and jasmine. It also depends on the country, culture and personal preferences.
Today we are talking about bakhoor!
What is bakhoor?
Bakhoor is a traditional Arabic incense made from natural ingredients such as wood chips, resin, and essential oils. It is typically burned in a censer or burner, and the smoke is used to fragrance homes and clothing. Bakhoor is often used in religious and spiritual practices, as well as in everyday life to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. It is also commonly used on special occasions such as weddings and other celebrations. The way of using bakhoor also varies, in some places, it's used on charcoal and in some it's used with an electric burner.
Burning bakhoor is considered a sign of hospitality and is often burned when guests are present. Bakhoor also comes in different fragrances, depending on the ingredients used, some of the popular scents include Oud, Rose, Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, and many more. It is also important to note that, the practice of using bakhoor is not limited to Arabs but is also practised by many other cultures in the Middle East and North Africa.
What is special about it?
Bakhoor is special in many ways, some of which include:
- Cultural significance: Bakhoor has been used for centuries in Arabic cultures and is an important part of many traditional customs and practices.
- Aromatherapy: The fragrance of bakhoor is believed to have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Religious significance: Bakhoor is often used in religious and spiritual practices in Islamic culture, where it is used to purify the air and create a peaceful environment for prayer.
- Ambience: Bakhoor creates a pleasant and inviting atmosphere, making a room more inviting and comfortable.
- Handcrafted: Bakhoor is traditionally made by hand, which makes each piece unique and special.
- Variety: Bakhoor comes in many different fragrances, depending on the ingredients used.
- Cultural heritage: Bakhoor is a part of the cultural heritage of the Middle East and North Africa and is often used as a way to preserve and celebrate that heritage.
In summary, Bakhoor is a traditional Arabic incense that is rich in cultural and spiritual significance, and it is widely used to purify the air, create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere, and celebrate special occasions.
Some bakhoor brands:
There are many bakhoor brands that are known for their high-quality products and traditional scents. Some of the most popular brands include:
- Al Haramain: A well-known brand from Saudi Arabia, known for its wide range of bakhoor, perfumes, and incense.
- Abdul Samad Al Qurashi: A well-known brand from Saudi Arabia, known for its high-quality bakhoor, perfumes, and incense.
- Swiss Arabian: A well-known brand from UAE, known for its wide range of bakhoor, perfumes, and incense.
- Nabeel Perfumes: A well-known brand from Dubai, known for its high-quality bakhoor, perfumes, and incense.
- Al Rehab: A well-known brand from Egypt, known for its wide range of bakhoor, perfumes, and incense.
- Al Shumookh: A well-known brand from Oman, known for its high-quality bakhoor, perfumes, and incense.
- Mukhallat: A well-known brand from Kuwait, known for its wide range of bakhoor, perfumes, and incense.
Bakhoor burners brands:
There are many brands that manufacture Bakhoor burners. Some of the most popular brands include:
- Al-Aqsa: A well-known brand that produces a wide range of Bakhoor burners in different designs, styles, and materials.
- Al-Fakher: produces electric burners, charcoal burners and incense burners.
- Al-Rabiah: For bakhoor burners made of various materials such as metal, clay, and ceramics.
- Al-Haramain: Also for electric burners, charcoal burners and incense burners.
- Al-Rehab
- Al-Shumookh
- Al-Athar
These are just a few examples, there are many other brands that produce Bakhoor burners, and each has its unique designs and styles.
Check my article about how to use bakhoor just here.