The History, Use, and Method Behind Resins Resins are the purest form of incense that we know. Five hundred thousand years ago, our ancestors began to conquer fire and as they did so, they would toss various woods, shrubs, grasses, spices, oils, dried flowers, fruits, barks and tree saps into the fire.  This was the beginning of using what we now call resins. The uses of resins can be traced back to the earliest written records of almost every culture in the world.  The words 'incense' which means 'to burn' and 'perfume' which means 'through the smoke' are interchangeable.  The reasons for burning resins and incense are as varied as the different cultures which use them. Method: Traditionally, the burning of resins is quite ceremonial and time consuming.  At the least, a proper burner, charcoal tablets, an ample supply of heat, proper insulation and time are needed to provide the most pleasurable aromas.  Most of us don't have the time, but still long for the unforgettable aromas.  The Incense Sampler, Inc. and The Incense Works, Inc. have worked for years to find a simpler way of bringing these fragrances to you, without all the effort.
	The Making of Incense The principle of making incense combines aromatic ingredients and a flame or heat source. Typically, the ingredients are ground into a powder and then ignited to release the aroma. Some herbal incense is not powder fine, and more closely resembles loose-leaf tea. Powdered ingredients may be bound together by a neutral material in order to form sticks or other shapes. In addition to making the incense easier to handle, the binding agent allows the incense to burn more slowly and evenly.
	The History of Smudging Smudge sticks come from the cultural exchange of Indigenous American Indian traditions and the propagation in New Age traditions of shamanism. Ancients burned herbal smoke mixtures for ceremonial cleansing and healing rituals for thousands of years. The ceremonies are especially important when the earth is furthest from the sun, closest to the sun, equinoxes and solstices. Smudging calls on the spirits of sacred plants to drive away negative energies and restore balance. The most popular herbs and plants for smudging include Cedar, Sage, Sweet grass and Tobacco. Each of these plants represents a unique quality and specific energy and is known as "Sacred Plant Helpers." Their smoke is ceremonially fanned through the energy field (aura) to cleanse negative energies, heal, bless and attract positive forces.
	Prayer Flags Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to 'gods,' a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all. By hanging flags in high places the "Wind Horse" will carry the blessings depicted on the flags to all beings. As wind passes over the surface of the flags which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and sanctified by the Mantras. The prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the universe as the images fade from exposure to the elements. Just as life moves on and is replaced by new life, Tibetans renew their hopes for the world by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This act symbolizes a welcoming of life changes and an acknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.   Traditionally, prayer flags come in sets of five, one in each of five colors. The five colors represent the elements,[1] and the Five Pure Lights and are arranged from left to right in a specific order. Different elements are associated with different colors for specific traditions, purposes and sadhana: Blue (symbolizing sky/space) White (symbolizing air/wind) Red (symbolizing fire) Green (symbolizing water) Yellow (symbolizing earth)[1
	Khatags (offering-scarves - pron. khata) - being very inexpensive - are available to anyone who may wish to establish respectful contact between himself/herself and another person or deity. Most khatags are simple pieces of open weave fabric - usually cotton or silk. By their uniformity and simplicity they favour no individual and link up the hearts and minds of hundreds of people assembled within view of the living Buddha.By physical standards khatags are flimsy - but their physical qualities do not reveal their weightiness. Khatags weigh heavily only on the balance of belief that measures the power generated by a persons prayers - hopes and good wishes. It is as if their insubstantial nature allows for these intangible portions of mental power to be contained within. Like the wind - like the events of the mind - the khatag seems almost not to exist. This tenuous nature - verging on non existence - makes the khatag a perfect medium for sending greetings into the realm of the spirit

	Henna And Mehndi Tattoos - Where It All Started And Why Henna / Mehndi has a very long history with centuries of migration and cultural interaction. Many different traditions began in multiple different cultures over the past 5000 years and it has now become part of our modern history as well. Henna / Mehndi has a rich and beautiful past including evidence that it was originally used in ancient Egypt to stain the fingers and toes of the Pharaohs prior to mummification. The most common association with henna tattooing is it's use within the Indian culture used as a ceremonial art form for wedding ceremonies. Along with it's beautiful and eye catching cosmetic uses, henna / mehndi is also known for it's natural healing properties for health problems such as headaches, liver disorders, skin diseases and more. The art form of mehndi differs from region to region, as it is a tradition that has been a part of so many cultures over the past 5000 years to present. Arabic designs tend to be more floral in their patterns while Indian designs are made of a delicate blending of fine lines creating striking pattern which covers a larger area of the skin such as the hands and feet. You will see this Indian tradition most often used as part of a wedding ceremony. Africans and Native/South American Indians have used henna tattooing as well but their designs tend to be larger geometric designs as opposed to the more often seen delicate designs of India. The modern henna tattooing that has now become part of many cultures worldwide which didn't originally use this form of body art can be quite diverse. Some people choose to wear a traditional Indian design while others use henna tattooing as a replacement for a modern tattoo design. Henna tattoos have become a very popular way to express ones individuality without the pain and permanency of an actual tattoo. Aside from the tattooing side of henna, it is also very often used as a hair dye. Henna hair dye is a safe and natural way to change your hair color as opposed to the typical chemical hair dyes that so many people use. Henna hair dye is safe and gentle on your skin and hair making it a wonderful alternative to the very abusive chemical hair dyes you will use at a salon or buy from your local hair products retailer. Henna hair dye is completely natural and safe to use while you are pregnant as it is made from vegetable dyes rather than chemical dyes and unlike many chemical hair dyes henna does not contain bio-available lead acetate, which can be harmful to the fetus, particularly the nervous system and brain.
	Native Americans wore moccasins long before Columbus discovered the land. It's fair to say that moccasins are truly America's first footwear. Completely casual, they define a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. Since their inception in 1946, Minnetonka Moccasin has shaped the moccasin's place in history. Following World War II, Americans took to the highways to discover its natural beauty. Visiting resorts and souvenir shops, they brought Minnetonka moccasins home to the new American suburbs. They soon became casual classics. Today, Minnetonka is a mainstay of American style. Minnetonka moccasins, fringe, sandals, shearling, boots, slippers, hats and accessories can be seen everywhere...from the streets of New York to the mountains of Colorado. From the Opry in Nashville to the Santa Monica pier and from London to Tokyo. No matter the footprint, all are made with genuine "moccasin soul". It's a simple idea... Classic design that never grows old combined with a natural, free-spirited heritage. Minnetonka Moccasin continues to define casual and comfortable American style.

 

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