At the time of Jesus' birth, gold, frankincense and myrrh were traditional gifts given to royalty in the Middle East, says Fred Horton, John T. Albritton Professor of the Bible at Wake Forest.
As per the Biblical tale, as recounted in Matthew 2:1-12, an infant Jesus of Nazareth was visited in Bethlehem on the eve of his birth by Magi bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
(ii) we do not know their names or where they came from save that they came from the east; (iii) we don't actually know how many wise men their were except that they gave three gifts and so it has always been assumed that there were three; (iv) they gave gifts of “gold, frankincense and myrrh”.
Frankincense, Myrrh, and Spikenard were highly valued in Biblical times, -- use the oil for comfort and healing.
The three gifts had a spiritual meaning: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. This dates back to Origen in Contra Celsum: "gold, as to a king; myrrh, as to one who was mortal; and incense, as to a God."
Myrrh is very much like an evergreen scent to me... some pine or spruce, slightly citrusy. Same family as vetiver, but less overtly masculine and less citrusy. Definitely unisex, definitely makes me think of the christmas season.
The frankincense represents Jesus' deity. In the Old Testament, frankincense was traditionally burned in the temple as an offering to God (Leviticus 2:2). By bringing this gift, the Magi affirmed Jesus was no ordinary man; he is both fully man and fully God.
Chrism, also called myrrh, myron, holy anointing oil, and consecrated oil, is a consecrated oil used in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Assyrian, Nordic Lutheran, Anglican, Old Catholic, and Latter Day Saint churches in the administration of certain sacraments and ecclesiastical functions.
Description. In preparation to see the King, Esther went through a purification using oil of myrrh for six months and sweet odours for six months. The sweet fragrance of Queen Esther and Myrrh represent our need to purify our hearts to become the Bride the Lord finds favor with when He returns.
The Bible mentions several different kinds of oil that can be used for anointing. Olive oil was often used because it was an ordinary, everyday type of oil that was easy to obtain. But other types of oils could also be used, such as castor oil, almond oil, or even myrrh (see Exodus 30:23).
Myrrh gum is commonly harvested from the species Commiphora myrrha. Another commonly used name, Commiphora molmol, is now considered a synonym for Commiphora myrrha.
Hyssop as we know it may or may not be the hyssop mentioned by David. There is some debate since the derivation of the name hyssop is in the Greek word hussopos and the Hebrew esob, meaning simply, "holy herb." (Psalms 51:7) Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Only five species are mentioned directly as medicinal plants in the Bible: Fig (Ficus carica), Nard (Nardostachys jatamansi), Hyssop (Origanum syriacum), balm of Gilead (Commiphora gileadensis) and Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum).
With its mellow yet fresh aroma and warm comforting undertones, Frankincense essential oil can soothe fraught emotions, encourage a deep sense of calm without making you sleepy and help you feel grounded.
The Original Maria Magdalene Oil
This recipe is found in the scriptures from which the Old Testament originates, translated from Aramaic. The three most important oils included in both MARIA MAGDALENE OIL and BALM are Frankincense, Myrra and Spikenard.
In it, Gary examined the historical significance and traditional uses of frankincense, sandalwood, myrrh, onycha, spikenard, rose of Sharon, myrtle, hyssop, galbanum, cypress, cedarwood, and cassia. Next up is hyssop, whose intriguing history still has relevance for us today.
The frankincense anointing oil was used to anoint priests in the Old Testament, and as a gift to Jesus in the New Testament to symbolize His role as our High Priest. The wonderful fragrance and leak-resistant packaging make this bottle a wonderful resource for your church or personal ministry.
It is an act of consecrating your home to Him. All you need is some oil (olive, sesame, canola, etc.) and a Bible. You can also find anointing oil at your local Christian bookstore, which is typically infused with myrrh, cassia and other essential oils.
consecrated oil; chrism. (especially in the Eastern Church) oil that has been in contact with a sacred object, as a relic, and is used in certain rites.
In traditional Chinese medicine, for instance, it was said to have a number of benefits, including purging stagnant blood from the uterus. In Ayurvedic medicine, myrrh tonic is considered rejuvenating. As with frankincense, myrrh is thought to be anti-inflammatory. It also appears to be, to some degree, antibacterial.
If you're curious about what frankincense smells like, most people describe its smell as earthy, woody, piney, or balsamic, and at the same time soft, sweet, and citrusy. Overall, it's a complex and wonderfully balanced aroma that helps calm the mind and soul.
Frankincense is predominantly burned as an incense, while Myrrh is more commonly used in medicines and perfumes – but both are known for their enticing fragrances.
There isn't enough information to rate the safety of using myrrh on the skin during pregnancy, so until more is known, it's best to avoid this use. Breast-feeding mothers should also avoid using myrrh. Not enough is known about the safety of using myrrh when breast-feeding. Diabetes: Myrrh might lower blood sugar.
Oudh in Islamic Text
However, in several Hadith, which is a report of the words, actions, or tacitly approved by the prophet Muḥammad, agarwood or Oudh is referred to as a kind of Indian incense (i.e., Ūd Al- Hindi or aloes).