Ah. So how energetic were you allowed to be with it? We've had some thurifers who were pretty, um, dramatic, with it but in our parish we have some who cannot stand incense (more likely the charcoal), so the last time I was thurifer all I could do was carry it fairly lamely about. No "around the worlds," "cats'-cradles" or anything like that. *\;-)
For those who "cannot stand" incense Trinity brand hypoallergenic may be the answer. My church was reeking of brick sealant for a couple of weeks so the thurible was in use each Sunday with the hypoallergenic incense. Those who were getting headaches from the toulene sealant felt their symptoms ease so long as the incense burned.
What would my Zwinglian forbearers have thought of that?
Ours have little bells on them. One should give the thurifer a good swing with the arm held close to the body and when it is fully extended and just dropping below a right angle, give it a quick jerk and make the incense billow and the bells jingle! This little hymn is particularly beautiful when chanted swinging the thurifer.
LORD, I Have Cried Out Unto You: hear me! Hear me, O Lord!
Lord, I Have Cried Out Unto You: hear me! Receive the voice of my prayer!
When I call upon You, hear me, O Lord!
Let my prayer arise in Your sight as incense,
And let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.
Hear me, O Lord!