It comes from the naualt word "copalli" and is the name given to different aromatic resins used as incense in America. It comes from several species of the genus Bursera. In pre-Columbian Mexico it was associated with Tlaloc, god of water and rain. Its use had great social, economic and ceremonial relevance.
Today copal trees are still community property and it is still very important in churches as a purifier during religious rites.
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