joss stick

American  

noun

1. a slender stick of a dried, fragrant paste, burned by the Chinese as incense before a joss.

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joss stick British  

noun

1. a stick of dried perfumed paste, giving off a fragrant odour when burnt as incense

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Etymology

Origin of joss stick

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

People clean the graves and burn items such as joss sticks and paper offerings - sometimes quite large ones - to honour the dead and transmit money and other goods to loved ones in the afterlife.

From BBC

An impromptu memorial of flowers, a black-and-white photograph and singed cigarettes — a stand-in for joss sticks — formed at the entrance of the hospital where he had died.

From New York Times

He visited Longhua Temple in Shanghai and was deeply moved by mounds of ash left from burning joss sticks.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the announcer, she presented the king with a tray of flowers and joss sticks, and in return was bestowed traditional gifts associated with royal power.

From Los Angeles Times

Early Tuesday, the first day of the year of the pig, hundreds lined up outside famous temples to burn the first joss sticks of the year, expecting it to bring them good luck.

From Seattle Times