This illustrated, decorative box holds frankincense-scented incense sticks, hand-rolled in India. Beside them, packed separately, is a piece of lapis lazuli, a deep blue stone often flecked with tiny specks of gold.
Frankincense, the scent of churches
Frankincense is the resin of a small tree from Oman, Yemen and Somalia. It has been burned in temples for thousands of years, and incense is still used at Catholic Mass. Psalm 141 compares prayer to rising incense smoke. If you go to Midnight Mass at Christmas, it will feel familiar.
The sticks have a rich, resinous scent. Traditionally they are lit for prayer and meditation.
The stone behind ultramarine
Ground lapis lazuli gave Renaissance painters their ultramarine blue, one of the most expensive pigments of all, which is why it was used for the Virgin Mary's robe in many old paintings. Ancient Egypt prized lapis too, and it was set into Tutankhamun's funeral mask. Those golden specks are pyrite, a mineral with a metallic shine.
It is said to be the stone of wisdom and honest words. Many people keep it on a desk or beside a favourite book. It is a fairly soft stone that does not like water, so wipe it dry with a soft cloth.
For prayer and meditation
If you spend a quiet moment in the morning or evening, light a stick in a heat-resistant holder on a stable surface. Blow out the flame so the stick just glows and smokes. Stay nearby while it burns and air the room afterwards.
Keep the smoke away from children and pets. The lapis lazuli is yours to keep once the sticks are gone. As a gift, the illustrated box looks lovely too.