The people of the Sultanate of Oman, the third largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, have been using frankincense since the early times and still today Omani homes are censed daily, in the early morning and at sunset by burning frankincense on glowing charcoal.
It is a symbol of traditional Omani hospitality to offer coffee, dates and Halwa (a confection) in a home where scent is everywhere. Clay incense burners in primary colors smolder not only in houses but as well 
in public places like the souq (market)
and Government buildings. And driving through Muscat you come across gigantic incense burner status in round-abouts which give proof that all this is not only a cliche but an important part of daily cultural habits in the midst of a modern infrastructure.
in public places like the souq (market)
and Government buildings. And driving through Muscat you come across gigantic incense burner status in round-abouts which give proof that all this is not only a cliche but an important part of daily cultural habits in the midst of a modern infrastructure.Frankincense has many more uses such as burning it to repel mosquitos and thus help protect from mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, the West Nile Virus and Dengue Fever. Water, too, is purified by adding a few grains of frankincense. Following birth, the mother and baby are censed and at weddings women hold up smoldering burners for a heavenly fragrant scent in the air.
Frankincense essential oil is produced by distillation of the tree resin. It is a good, sweet fragrance and used to purify the air from undesirable germs.
Perfume is another use of frankincense. Famous names like "Cinnabar by Este e Lauder" and "Opium by Yves St Laurent" use the precious substance. And of course I have to mention the niche luxury fragrance house "Amouage" which was started by Sultan Qaboos in 1980. It is known for creating some of the most finely crafted and exotic fragrances in the world.
Oman is the
leading producer of frankincense wich is the gum resin that seeps from the Boswellia sacra tree and then is dried as a crystal. The trees (no more than 15 ft. high) grow in rocky, semi-desert conditions in the Dhofar Region. They also grow in Yemen, Somalia , Ethiopia and India but Oman is still valued as the source for the best quality frankincense in the world, a reputation it has held for centureis.
Oman is the
leading producer of frankincense wich is the gum resin that seeps from the Boswellia sacra tree and then is dried as a crystal. The trees (no more than 15 ft. high) grow in rocky, semi-desert conditions in the Dhofar Region. They also grow in Yemen, Somalia , Ethiopia and India but Oman is still valued as the source for the best quality frankincense in the world, a reputation it has held for centureis.The Frankincense Trail in Oman was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The site includes Boswellia trees of Wadi Dawkah and the remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr and the ports of Khor Rori and al-Balid. It reminds in the trade of frankincense that flourished for many centuries, as one of the most important trading activities of the ancient and medieval world.
Oman has existed for at least 7,000 years. Its enchanting people, traditional culture and spectacular natural beauty makes Oman a truly magical place and memorable experience.
Oman has existed for at least 7,000 years. Its enchanting people, traditional culture and spectacular natural beauty makes Oman a truly magical place and memorable experience.
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