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Incense and herbs · Resin
Copal: history, meaning and how to burn it
Copal is tree resin from several species, especially Protium and Bursera, from Mexico and Central America. It gives bright, clean and piney with a hint of citrus.
History
Copal was burned by the Maya and Aztecs in temples and is still central to Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) celebrations in Mexico, filling churches and cemeteries with smoke.
Traditional uses
Burned to honour ancestors and to purify a space before ritual.
These are traditional and spiritual uses, not health claims.
How to burn it
Burn small pieces on charcoal in a well-ventilated room.
Burning safely
- Use a heatproof holder or bowl, on a stable surface away from curtains and shelves.
- Open a window a little; smoke should clear, not build up.
- Never leave burning incense alone, and keep it away from children, pets and birds.
- Put it out fully in sand or a dish of water when you are done.
Scents that pair well
Copal blends well with frankincense, palo santo and myrrh.
Copal in stock
Questions answered
What does copal smell like?
Bright, clean and piney with a hint of citrus.
What is copal used for?
Burned to honour ancestors and to purify a space before ritual.
Where does copal come from?
Mexico and Central America.
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