Popular illustrations from life (6) : fumigation

Abstract

Since human beings discovered smoke, whether from volcanic activity or from other fires, it fascinated them as a mysterious subject. It is not there at first, it is then produced, and disappears into nothingness. This appears to have been a good excuse to associate it with the supernatural, and it became considered as a link between the material and the supernatural worlds. Smoke, therefore, became accepted as part of rites and functions when communicating with higher powers and spirits. The offering of sacrifices by burning, the lighting of fires, incense and aromatic herbs, became standard procedures, not only to communicate with the supernatural powers, but also to ward off evil of all types, including the evil eye, the devil, evil spirits, diseases of many types, especially those whose origin and cure were unknown.