Agarwood in Culture: From Middle Eastern Oud to Nepalese Rituals

Agarwood—known as oud in Arabic, agar in Hindi, and chenxiang in Chinese—is more than a scent. It’s a thread woven through the cultures of Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Let’s explore how different regions cherish this "liquid gold."

Figure 1: Agarwood’s cultural diversity — oud oil as a personal perfume in the Middle East (left) and agarwood incense in Nepalese temple rituals (right).

Middle East: Oud, the "Scent of Royalty"

In the Middle East, العود (oud) is sacred. For centuries, it’s been used in:

  • Perfumery: Oud is the backbone of Arabic attars (natural perfumes). Luxury brands like Amouage and By Kilian feature it prominently.
  • Rituals: Burning oud bakhoor wood marks celebrations (weddings, Eid) and religious events, purifying spaces and honoring guests.
  • Status: High-quality oud is a symbol of wealth. Oud wood price in Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflects its prestige—rare oils sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

Nepal: Agarwood in Spiritual Practices

In Nepal, agarwood (called "agar") is deeply tied to Hindu and Buddhist traditions:

  • Temples: It’s burned during pujas (prayers) to please deities like Shiva and Buddha. The smoke is believed to carry wishes to the heavens.
  • Medicine: Traditional healers use agarwood to treat stress and respiratory issues, valuing its agarwood benefits in hindi (印地语中记载的功效).
  • Crafts: Artisans carve agarwood into prayer beads and small statues, blending spirituality with craftsmanship.

Figure 2: Cultural artifacts — Arabic oud attar bottles (left) and Nepalese agarwood prayer beads (right), showcasing agarwood’s role in daily life and spirituality.

Southeast Asia: Agarwood as a Cultural Heritage

Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are agarwood’s birthplaces:


  • Vietnam: Kynam agarwood (a rare variety) is a national treasure, with extraction methods passed down through generations.
  • Indonesia: Agarwood is used in kemenyan (incense) for weddings and funerals, symbolizing life’s journey.
  • China: Hainan agarwood has been prized since ancient times, mentioned in medicinal texts and imperial records.

 

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