Uunsi is the traditional Somali Incense used by almost
every Somali woman around the world.
Uunsi is associated with various traditions and practices in Somalia's culture and is deeply rooted in emitting beautiful scents.
It is often burned in a dabqaad, a burner pot that is
usually made of white clay.
Traditionally, uunsi is used after meals, in the evening, or
during special occasions, with different types of bukhoor being used.
According to Architectural Digest, it said that uunsi is
used to lift your spirits and make the house smell clean with its powerful
scent that lingers for hours.
Similarly, Ramla another uunsi user said that she often relies on it to elevate the atmosphere in her space. Ramla said that she finds it perfect for freshening up her clothes and creating an inviting environment, especially when she is expecting visitors.
“Uunsi elevates my atmosphere
and I find it perfect for freshening up clothes and creating an inviting
environment,” said Ramla.
She further added that the scent lingers, filling the room
with a pleasant fragrance that everyone appreciates.
Getting also from the male side who uses uunsi, Mohammed said that he mostly uses it to enhance his environment, noting that its calming aroma creates a soothing ambience.
The rich scent of the burning uunsi instantly
improves his mood and adds a touch of tradition to his home, making it a staple
in his daily routine.
“Uunsi has a really rich scent, the burning uunsi instantly improves my mood and it is a touch of tradition to my home, making it a daily routine,” stated Mohammed.
Instructions
To burn incense, you will need an incense burner, charcoal
tablet, and incense.
Step 1
One is to first light the charcoal.
Take one charcoal tablet and light it, they can also put the charcoal tablet on the gas stove top to burn it
Step 2
Once you see that charcoal is burnt from the edges, put it on the incense burner.
The charcoal will take another few minutes to light
completely and you will see white ash forming on the top, this is when the charcoal
is ready for incense burning.
Do not cover the charcoal while burning, it will deplete the
oxygen supply and the charcoal will cool down.
Step 3
One is to burn the incense on top of the charcoal tablet
When you see that there is greyish ash on the surface of
the charcoal disc, this is the time to place the incense.
Step 4
Once a piece of uunsi has fully burnt, knock it off with
your tongs and replace it with a fresh piece.
Each disc should burn for at least 30 minutes and can often
be made to burn longer by knocking off the coating of ash as it builds up.
There are different types of incense, each one has its own
burning rate, some are dry while some leave a melted residue behind.
If using incense, place small pieces on top. Large pieces
may carbonize before the essential oil has been fully released, resulting in a
bitter smell.
Caution
One is to never hold or touch burning charcoal with your fingers.
Do not check if it is
extinguished by touching it. To ensure the charcoal is extinguished pour
some water on it.