Many cultures use incense in their religious rites.  Incense is the gum produce by a species of resinous trees growing in southern Somalia, Egypt and Arabia.  Incense produces an aromatic fragrance when burned and is often combined with perfumes..  Frankincense (one of the gifts of the Magi to the baby Jesus) is incense that has not been mixed with perfumes. (Frank- means genuine – or frankincense: genuine incense. Incense is offered to God as a symbol of the love and prayers of the faithful.