thurible

thumb|A single chain thurible, as used by some Western churches right|thumb|Stained glass window depiction of a thurible, St. Ignatius Church, [[Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts]] thumb|Clockwise from upper left: Thurible, cup from inside thurible, incense boat, charcoal holder, and tongs|185x185px

A thurible (via Old French from Medieval Latin ) is a metal incense burner suspended from chains, in which incense is burned during worship services. It is used in Christian churches, including those of the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran and Old Catholic denominations, as well as in some Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, Methodist and Anglican churches (with its use almost universal amongst Anglican churches of Anglo Catholic churchmanship). The acolyte or altar server who carries the thurible is called the thurifer. The practice is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism dating from the time of the Second Jewish Temple, and is still ceremoniously utilized in some Renewal communities.