At Christmas, wafts of incense and the glow of candles tantalise the senses and warm the hearts of the faithful. But the white, balsamic scent that emanates from the incense burners is also capable of clouding our view of reality. Udo Pollmer analyses the chemistry of the festivities and shows how the clergy, with the help of willing pharmacists, make fools of their sheep.
by Udo Pollmer Dec 2023, Update of Bon appetit, Dec 18, 2011 by Udo Pollmer
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Smoking is finally allowed again: At Christmas, the rustic smokers from the Erzgebirge let their fumes drift through the parlours. Smoking bans have so far only applied to real people but not yet to the small wooden incense figurines. Catholic churches are also exempt. There, the ancient...