Kemenyan or frankincense is an incense that comes from the sap of the styrax tree, agarwood, or dipterocarp resin. It is commonly used by Indonesians, especially in Java, Sumatra, Bali, and Kalimantan, to complement offerings for rituals or certain traditional and religious ceremonies.
However, due to the spread of made-up stories filled with mystical elements, kemenyan tends to be viewed negatively. Some widely known myths include the belief that if you smell kemenyan out of nowhere, it indicates the presence of ghost spirits or serves as a warning sign—even a major warning—whether good or bad, though it generally tends to be negative.
Another myth, related to health, claims that kemenyan is believed to balance hormones and reduce menstrual symptoms but there is still no research supporting these effects.
Most of the myths related to mysticism developed because many horror movies associated kemenyan with ghosts. Meanwhile, people from the past believed kemenyan could overcome respiratory problems, improve blood circulation, heal wounds, and calm the mind or reduce stress.
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Fortunately, not all myths and beliefs related to kemenyan are completely wrong. The reality about kemenyan has already been proven, for instance, in terms of its philosophy as a complement to offerings in rituals for the Javanese people.
The smell that comes from the smoke when burning kemenyan symbolizes a hope for prayers to be heard by God, while the burning embers symbolize the enthusiasm and hope in the human heart to realize deeply desired ideals. In other words, the smell of kemenyan is a myth that has been misinterpreted as a sign of a ghost spirit's presence.
Interestingly, Minangkabau, an ethnic group in West Sumatra, Indonesia, specifically in Nagari Sabu, a region dominated by Muslims, commonly burns kumayan or benzoin during group prayers to summon spirits to their homes, intending to pray for the spirits and include them in their prayers to God.
Wellness Wonders of Frankincense
Not only growing in Indonesia, another species of kemenyan, known as olibanum, is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree, which also grows in dry and mountainous areas in India, Africa, and the Middle East.
It has a woody and spicy aroma and can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or consumed as a supplement. This type has been proven to help reduce asthma symptoms by consuming supplements containing Boswellia extract, as reported by Healthline.
Another species from Arabia, which is commonly used as incense and fragrance, is Arabic Frankincense. These crystals are processed and obtained from the sap of Boswellia trees from the Burseraceae tribe.
Another fact is related to its ability to heal wounds. By using the melt from benzoin that has been burned and applied to the wound, then smoked, it has been proven that the resin content in plants such as benzoin acts as an antibacterial and has anti-inflammatory properties, according to research by Bigs and Naresh in the Midwifery Maternity Journal.
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In conclusion, kemenyan, or frankincense, holds a significant place whether in cultural traditions or modern uses. From its role in Javanese rituals as a symbol of prayer and hope, to its medicinal potential as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, kemenyan bridges the gap between myth and reality.
Furthermore, its use in diverse cultural settings, such as in Nagari Sabu, West Sumatra, reflects the deep relationship between spiritual beliefs and local customs. Some practices may remain as a myth, while others are gradually being understood and validated through scientific research. So, do you still believe that kemenyan can summon a spirit?
