Censer, << SEHN suhr, >> is a vessel in which incense is burned on charcoal as a sign of honor and prayer during religious ceremonies. The censer is also called a thurible. The ancient Jews used censers in their tabernacles and temples. Christians began to use censers in the 300’s. Today, censers are used in some services of the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and the Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Most censers are ornamental. Attached chains are used to swing the vessel back and forth. Holes in the top allow the perfumed smoke to stream out.
