LOC14:32
11:32 GMT
By Khalid Al-Zaid (with photos)
KUWAIT, Sept 6 (KUNA) -- No house in Kuwait goes without an incense burner
that is used to scent clothes and homes, while in Ramadan and other festive
occasions, the scent of burning incense welcomes visitors from the very
doorsteps of the house.
The incense burner is brought close to the visitor and is moved in a
circular motion to disperse the scented smoke, and the visitor often fans the
smoke rising from the burner towards the chest. The scent, mixed with other
concentrated Arabic perfumes, results in a fresh yet intimate smell that can
only be associated with festivities and moments of joy.
For the month of Ramadan and the three-day Eid that follows, people are
keen on buying only the best incense burners, which are among the most
important decorative objects in any home.
Ahmad Mansour, the owner of a commercial shop, told KUNA that there were
many different types of incense burners, including those made in Pakistan,
Syria, India and China. Their prices range from as little as KD two for the
smaller sizes to KD 40 for the larger ones.
Chinese-made incense burners are the most common in the Gulf market, he
said, but people here are aware of the quality of the items and chose
carefully between the different burners with the colorful beads, crystals and
precious stones.
He explained that some burners were made of crystal, others of wood and
brass, while some were plated with gold and silver depending on the client's
wish.
Mansour also noted that people were often attracted to larger burners but
were then taken aback by their price, opting for cheaper ones that did the job.
Moreover, he said that electrically-powered burners were now available, but
said that no matter how convenient people may find these, they were incapable
of releasing the true scent of the incense.
Gift boxes are also available, where a burner, incense and Arabic perfume
can be bought for special occasions. The price depends on quality, and ranges
from KD 15-300, and sometimes more, he concluded. (end)
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KUNA 061432 Sep 09NNNN