The Botafumeiro of Santiago de Compostela is one of the emblematic elements of the Cathedral of Santiago, its history and use going back at least ten centuries –according to some sources. This giant incense burner is a technical and artistic marvel, and a symbol of Compostelan spirituality.
History of the Botafumeiro
Tradition claims the Botafumeiro was first used in the 11th century, as pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela became common after the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle. It is widely believed that by then a botafumeiro was already in use, although the first incense burner for which there is concrete evidence dates from the fourteenth century. The need for such a large incense burner arose from the enormous influx of pilgrims, making it necessary to purify (and perfume) the air inside the cathedral.
Over the centuries, the incense burner has been replaced several times. Indeed, the current botafumeiro dates from 1851, and was made by the goldsmith José Losada. This silver-plated brass censer replaced an earlier solid silver one that was stolen by Napoleonic troops in 1809 during the Spanish War of Independence. And whereas the design of the Botafumeiro has varied over time, it has always maintained its imposing size and ritual functionality.
What is the Botafumeiro?
The botafumeiro is a monumental incense burner that weighs approximately 80 kilos when empty and over 100 kilos when filled with charcoal and incense. During ceremonies, it is suspended from the cathedral ceiling by a complex system of pulleys. When set in motion, it can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour and traverse the transept of the cathedral in wide (and somewhat scary) swings. The men who operate it, known as tiraboleiros, need great skill and strength to keep the swing under control.
Incense in liturgy
Now, the botafumeiro is not sheer Galician eccentricity. The use of incense in Christian liturgy has deep roots, dating back to practices found in the Hebrew Bible. In the Jerusalem Temple, incense was part of the daily offerings to God. There were several types of offerings: burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Among these, the incense offering had a special place because its pleasant fragrance was considered a form of spiritual communication with God. Incense was burned on a specific altar in front of the Holy of Holies, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to heaven.
Incense plays an important role in Christian liturgy. It is used to bless and purify the altar, the Gospels, and the faithful. The use of incense at Mass symbolizes both divine presence (as in the biblical pillars of fire and cloud) and the prayers of the community raised to God (as in the Jerusalem Temple). Obviously, the impressive size and movement of the botafumeiro take this symbolism to another level, offering a experience that brings pilgrims in contact with a millenary tradition.
But the Botafumeiro of Santiago de Compostela is not only a liturgical object. It is a living testimony to the culture of Galicia. Over the centuries, it has witnessed countless ceremonies and pilgrimages, serving as a bridge between the past and the present.