joss stick
Definition
Noun: A thin, often bamboo-based stick coated with a paste of fragrant materials (like sandalwood or floral scents) that smolders slowly when lit, producing aromatic smoke. It is traditionally burned as an offering in Chinese religious practices, placed before an idol or shrine (joss).
Usage
The term "joss stick" refers specifically to the physical incense stick and its primary ritual use. * She lit a joss stick and placed it in the holder on the family altar. * The air in the temple was thick with the sweet smell of burning joss sticks. * He purchased a bundle of sandalwood joss sticks from the market.
Advanced Usage
- While primarily associated with religious offerings, joss sticks are also commonly used in secular contexts for their pleasant aroma, such as in homes for meditation, relaxation, or simply to fragrance a room.
- She lights a joss stick while doing yoga to create a calming atmosphere.
Variants and Related Words
- Incense stick: A more general term for any slender stick of incense, not specifically tied to Chinese religious practice.
- Joss: (Noun) A Chinese idol or household divinity. The term "joss stick" derives from this word (from Portuguese , 'god').
Synonyms
- Incense stick
- Perfume stick
Related Phrases/Idioms
- To burn a joss stick: The standard phrase for the act of using one.
- It is customary to burn a joss stick when paying respects to ancestors.
Noun
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a slender stick of incense burned before a joss by the Chinese
