Copal

Copal is an organic substance that, when burned, produces a highly fragrant white smoke. 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.

Copal properties: It is highly valued for its energy cleansing properties and its use in ceremonial rites.

Difference between copal and incense

It is common to wonder if copal and incense are the same thing. The short answer is that copal is a type of natural American incense. While traditional incense usually refers to resins from Africa or Asia (such as Boswellia), copal is indigenous to the Americas.