What Does Chrism Smell Like?
Sacred Chrism smells sweet, warm and resinous. Its fragrance comes from balsam, an aromatic tree resin that is mixed into olive oil before the bishop consecrates it. The result is a rich, slightly sweet, almost vanilla-like scent that many Catholics remember from a baptism or Confirmation. The exact scent varies a little from diocese to diocese, because each diocese prepares its own Chrism and some add other aromatic oils alongside the balsam.
What is Chrism?
Sacred Chrism is one of the three holy oils of the Catholic Church, along with the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick. Each year, usually during Holy Week, the bishop consecrates the Chrism at the Chrism Mass, joined by the priests of his diocese. It is then sent out to every parish.
Chrism is used to anoint the newly baptized, to seal those being confirmed, and in the ordination of priests and bishops. It is also used to consecrate new churches and altars. The word comes from the Greek chrisma, "anointing," the same root as the title Christ, "the Anointed One."
What is Chrism made of?
Chrism has two essential parts: oil and fragrance. The oil is olive oil (or, under Church law, oil pressed from another plant). The fragrance is traditionally balsam. Dioceses prepare it in slightly different ways:
- Some add only balsam extract, which gives a clear but gentle scent.
- Others use a prepared blend of aromatic oils that includes balsam, which can smell fuller and more perfumed.
- In the early Church, Eastern Christians sometimes used as many as forty different spices and essences in their chrism.
The Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick are plain blessed olive oil. Chrism is the only one of the three holy oils that is perfumed, which is why its scent is the one people remember.
Why does Chrism have a fragrance?
The scent carries meaning. Oil strengthens and soothes, while balsam has long been prized because it is fragrant and resists decay. The Catholic Encyclopedia says the balsam "typifies the innate sweetness of Christian virtue." St. Paul also writes that Christians are the aroma of Christ to the world (2 Corinthians 2:15). Being anointed with something fragrant is a sign that the person is meant to carry Christ with them wherever they go.
Why the scent stays with you
Smell is closely tied to memory, so the scent of Chrism tends to stay with people. Many parents first notice it at their child's baptism, when the priest anoints the baby's head and the fragrance lingers for the rest of the day. For others, it is the moment of their own Confirmation. Catching that scent again can bring the memory right back, and with it a reminder of the promises made that day.
Can you buy Chrism oil?
No. Consecrated Sacred Chrism is not sold. It is blessed by the bishop and distributed to parishes for use in the sacraments. If you have a question about Chrism for a baptism or Confirmation, your parish is the place to ask.
Our Chrism-blend products are not consecrated and do not contain Sacred Chrism. They are inspired by its scent, so you can carry that reminder of your baptism into your everyday routine.
Our Chrism-inspired products
Our Chrism blend brings together balsam, rose and more than 50 other notes to echo the scent of Sacred Chrism:
- Chrism Beard Balm: our original Chrism product
- Chrism Ambry Beard Oil
- Chrism Solid Cologne: a sweeter, more floral take, with rose, vanilla and balsam
- Chrism Lumena Lotion Bar
- Lorica Lather Body Soap (Chrism blend)
- The Chrism Bundle: all five in one set
Frequently asked questions
Does all Chrism smell the same?
Not exactly. Every diocese prepares its own Chrism, so the strength and character of the scent can vary. Balsam is the common thread, which is why most Chrism shares that warm, sweet, resinous smell.
Is Chrism the same as holy oil?
Chrism is one of three holy oils. The other two, the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick, are unscented, so if you remember a fragrance from a baptism, it was the Chrism.
When is Chrism used?
In Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders, and in the consecration of churches and altars.
When is Chrism blessed?
At the Chrism Mass, which the bishop celebrates once a year, on Holy Thursday morning or another day near Easter.
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