16" x 3"
Hong Kong

Stick incense or Joss sticks are associated with religion in China. Traditionally used as an offering to Buddha, they are commonly burned in Chinese temples, during funerals, at shrines, etc but now are also used to perfume a room. The smell is fairly common and once you get used to it being around it is easy to miss. Sandalwood is believed to keep one alert during mediation; it was commonly used in medicine until the 1920's - 30's as an essential oil. The name "Hong Kong" translates to "Fragrant Harbor". According to some historians, the name derived from the large number of incense trees grown in and exported from Hong Kong. This incense is from one of the more established incense firms in Hong Kong. We sniffed a lot of incense the day we found this one as I have a picky nose. Since we came back from Hong Kong I light a small stick every day when we open the shop, burning one a day to "clear" the air. It is a nice habit.