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How to burn Uunsi (Incense) at home

Traditionally, uunsi is used after meals, in the evening, or during special occasions

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by ROZANNE NTHAMBI

Sasa23 October 2024 - 13:08

In Summary


  • It is often burned in a dabqaad, a burner pot that is usually made of white clay.
  • She further added that the scent lingers, filling the room with a pleasant fragrance that everyone appreciates.


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.


 


 


 



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