The Meaning of Copal: A Sacred Tradition Across Cultures
At Casa Copal, the name we chose carries deep roots.
Copal is a bridge—a connection to the past, to ritual, to healing, and to spirit. Across Indigenous cultures of the Americas, copal has been considered sacred for thousands of years. It holds space for ceremony, reflection, and remembrance.
In this post, we want to share a little more about this powerful resin and why it lives at the heart of our space.
What is Copal?
Copal is a natural tree resin harvested from species in the Bursera genus. When burned, it emits a warm, earthy, and deeply grounding aroma. But beyond its scent, copal is sacred—a substance used by cultures across Mesoamerica and Native North America to connect with the divine, cleanse energy, and honor life and death.
Copal in Mesoamerican Cultures
In ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Mexica (Aztec), Maya, Zapotec, and Mixtec, copal was known as the “blood of the tree.” This powerful symbolism reflected its use in spiritual and ceremonial life.
Copal was:
Burned in ceremonies to purify spaces and participants before sacred rituals
Offered to gods at temples and altars during seasonal festivals
Used in burials to guide souls to the afterlife
Infused into traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
Believed to carry prayers through the smoke to ancestors and deities
During Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), copal is still burned on ofrendas (altars) as a spiritual offering—its smoke helping guide the spirits of loved ones back to visit the living.
A Sensory Connection Across Time
For many, the smell of copal triggers an emotional memory. It’s the scent of family gatherings, ceremonies, mercados, and sacred spaces. It’s a thread that ties generations and geographies together—a symbol of reverence and resilience.
At Casa Copal, this is exactly the kind of feeling we hope to evoke:
A return to home, to meaning, to spirit.
Why “Casa Copal”?
We chose the name Casa Copal because we wanted to create a space that felt like home—but not just any home. A home rooted in culture, tradition, and healing.
“Casa” means home
“Copal” represents the sacred connection between earth and spirit
Together, Casa Copal is a place where people can reconnect—with themselves, with their roots, and with community. Whether you’re here to browse handmade goods, take a workshop, or join a yoga class, this space holds that deeper intention.
Bringing the Tradition Into Your Life
We offer copal sticks and resin in our shop, sustainably sourced and thoughtfully selected. If you’ve never used copal before, we’re happy to show you how. Whether you use it in a cleansing ritual, to center yourself during meditation, or to honor your ancestors, it can be a powerful addition to your personal practice.
Come visit us in Downtown Mesa and experience the meaning of copal for yourself.
Let its scent welcome you home.
