Smoke from glowing aromatic substances has been taken to symbolize the ascents of prayer into heaven. Many different combustibles have been used for incense particularly aromatic woods, barks resins and herbs. Burnt aromas are commonly spoken of an ‘incense’, however, true incense is what is properly called frankincense. Frankincense is the gum resin of the Boswellis family of trees growing mainly in the hinterland of Somali coast in East Africa. The trees were tended by 3000 families, which had a hereditary right to them.