Bukhoor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bukhoor (Arabic بخور) is the Arabic name given to woodchips soaked in fragrant oils or in most Arab countries it is the name given to scented bricks. These scented chips/bricks are burned in incense burners to perfume the home and clothing with a rich thick smoke. This is used specifically on special occasions like weddings or on Fridays or generally just to perfume the house.
The bukhoor is usually burned in a Mabkhara, traditional incense burner. It is traditional in many Arab countries to pass bukhoor amongst the guests in the Majlis (Arabic مجلس, meaning sitting room) this is done as a gesture of hospitality.
In some cultures, a person's upbringing can be sensed from the fragrance used by them. The tradition of bukhoor traveled to other Muslim countries (mainly) in a modified forms of incense sticks. Today, people have a variety of bukhoors to select. The bukhoor is popular in the Middle East (excluding Israel), Somalia, the Magreb and Egypt.
