Bukhoor
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Bukhoor (Arabic بخور) is the Arabic name given to woodchips soaked in fragrant oils or in most Arab countries it is the name given to scented bricks. These scented chips/bricks are burned in incense burners to perfume the home and clothing with a rich thick smoke. This is used specifically on special occasions like weddings or on Fridays or generally just to perfume the house.
The bukhoor is usually burned in a Mabkhara, traditional incense burner. It is traditional in many Arab countries to pass bukhoor amongst the guests in the Majlis (Arabic مجلس, meaning sitting room) this is done as a gesture of hospitality.
In some cultures, a person's upbringing can be sensed from the fragrance used by them. The tradition of bukhoor traveled to other Muslim countries (mainly) in a modified forms of incense sticks. Today, people have a variety of bukhoors to select. The bukhoor is popular in the Middle East (excluding Israel), Somalia/Somaliland, the Magreb and Egypt.
