Copal has long been used in ancient Maya and Aztec ceremonies as a ritual offering to the gods. It is still used by a number of indigenous people in southern Mexico and Central America during sweat lodge ceremonies as well as sacred mushroom ceremonies. Copal is also found in East Africa and Indonesia. Ceremonially, the resin is placed on hot coals for spiritual cleansing.

Energetic Cleansing: It is common in many cultures to burn copal to cleanse spaces of negative energies, purify an area, or offer protection. It is also calming and said to attract love.