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Athymiaterion (fromAncient Greek: θυμιατήριον from θυμιάεινthymiaein "to smoke"; pluralthymiateria) is a type ofcenser orincense burner. Thymiateria have been used in theMediterranean region since antiquity forspiritual andreligious purposes and especially in religious ceremonies.
The first mention of thymiateria is found inHerodotus'sHistoria.[1] They were used for rituals, including temple rituals,weddings, andfunerals, inancient Greece as early as the 6th century BC.[1] Thymiateria could take a wide variety of forms,[2] ranging from simple earthenware pots to elaborate carved, wheel-turned or cast items made fromclay orbronze.[3]
The term has also come to refer to the censers of other peoples of the ancient world, such as thePhoenicians andEtruscans.[4]
Various types of thymiateria are still used inGreek Orthodox rituals. They are commonly known also as "livanisteria" (from the wordlivanos,transl. incense).
A photograph of a typical themiaterion used officially in churches.
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