Perhaps it is because little has been written about the three wise men that their story intrigues me. As history writes, there was no mention of how many there were until 500 years later. And it wasn't until that time that they were described as Kings. In fact, it is believed they were most likely astronomers. There is no evidence they came on camel, but it is agreed that they travelled from the east, through the dessert, and most likely on foot.  I find their journey interesting but what fascinates me are the three gifts they came bearing for the magi. It is assumed gold was given for its value. I think it was for a very different purpose, but I will get back to that. The other gifts, frankincense and myrrh are both resins, dried tree sap, that come from trees of the genus Boswellia and Commiphora, commonly found in northern Africa and the Middle East. They were used to create incense because of their known healing properties. Frankincense Frankincense is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia found in Somalia and Saudi Arabia. The trees grow on the rocky coast; the youngest trees furnish the most valuable sap. The season for gathering dried sap lasts from May till the middle of September. The milk-like juice runs from a cut made in the bark and is allowed to harden. After about three months the sap dries into yellowish 'tears'. These clear globules are scraped off. Frankincense is mixed with spices, seeds and roots to create different aromas and treat different ailments. Myrrh Commiphora is a shrub or small tree found in the desert areas of North Africa (primarily Somalia) and the Red Sea shores of Saudi Arabia. It grows up to 3 m tall and has tough, knotted branches. The sap, or resin, is a pale yellow liquid, and it flows slowly from cuts in the bark. After it dries it is collected in reddish-brown irregular lumps. The word myrrh means 'bitter' in Arabic. Myrrh has been used for ages as an ingredient in incense, beauty treatments, and perfumes. Because the demand for myrrh eventually became so high, and because its supply was limited, myrrh became as valuable as gold. Gold I believe gold was given to the magi, not as a gift of value, about because of its healing properties. That is more consistent with the gifts of Myrrh and Frankincense. Throughout history, Gold has been used for its luxurious and beautifying properties. Historians have long maintained that Cleopatra slept in a gold mask every night which helped maintain her skin looking youthful. In ancient Rome, gold salves were used for the treatment of a variety of skin problems. Gold was also regarded as the key to youth in ancient Chinese medicine, as the queen of the Ch’ing dynasty used a gold massage roller on her face everyday.  If you are a fan of gold, you may want to consider getting my 24K Gold Facial. While this might seem like the ultimate gift, it is proven that gold blocks free radicals and helps the skin regenerate quicker and fuller. After a single treatment, your face will look and feel firmer, fresher and vibrant. Until next week, Julianna |
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