Wormwood

Discover the significance of natural aromatics like frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood in major religious holidays across the globe.

Aromatic substances have played a significant role in various religious rituals and holidays across different faiths. Here’s a list of some of the most historically significant natural aromatics associated with major religious holidays worldwide:

Christianity

1. Christmas: Frankincense and Myrrh — These were two of the three gifts given by the Magi and are often used in Christmas rituals.
2. Easter: Spikenard — Used in some traditional Christian rites; it was the oil Mary Magdalene used to anoint Jesus.

Islam

1. Ramadan: Bakhoor (incense) — Often burned in homes to bring a sense of tranquility.
2. Eid al-Fitr: Rosewater — Used in various sweets and also as a perfume during the festivities.

Hinduism

1. Diwali: Sandalwood — Burned as incense during prayers.
2. Holi: Jasmine — Often used in oils and fragrances during the celebrations.

Judaism

1. Passover: Cinnamon — Sometimes added to the charoset, a traditional food.
2. Hanukkah: Olive Oil — Although not aromatic, it is historically significant due to its role in the Hanukkah miracle.

Buddhism

1. Vesak: Lotus — Used in various forms, including incense, during the celebration of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.
2. Asalha Puja: Saffron — Used in offerings and sometimes to anoint sacred texts.

Shintoism

1. O-Shōgatsu (New Year): Cedar — Used in purification rituals.

Taoism

1. Qingming Festival: Wormwood — Used in traditional rites to ward off evil spirits.

Sikhism

1. Vaisakhi: Saffron — Used for preparing traditional foods and sometimes for anointing the Guru Granth Sahib.

Pagan/Wiccan

1. Winter Solstice (Yule): Pine — Used in various forms during celebrations.
2. Summer Solstice (Litha): Lavender — Used for its calming and purifying properties.

Note that these are just examples, and the usage of aromatics can vary between different cultures and traditions within each faith.