Sacred Seeds: Frankincense & Myrrh

Gifts of the Magi

Madonna and Child (2020) by Tyler Ballon

The Magicians

For we observed his star at its rising [in the east] and have come to pay him homage.

Matthew 2:3 NRSV

One of the earliest introductions to magic for many children is the Magi or, more popularly, the Three Wise Men. Their involvement in the narrative of Jesus’ birth in the Gospel of Matthew is venerated in the Christian tradition. Countries around the world celebrate Epiphany, an elaborate feast day dedicated to the Magi, complete with an array of classical customs. Despite this adoration, Christians are not typically encouraged to learn more about these characters and the cultural context that defines their role in Matthew’s Nativity story. 

The Bible includes an abundance of references to magic. In the Ancient Near East, cultural and spiritual traditions often consisted of ritual practices that would be considered magic in the modern day. Omens, divination, astrology and dream interpretation were respected and part of everyday life for ancient people. These forms of magic are the foundation of a number of stories in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament.

Magi is a reference to the Magu, the Zoroastrian priestly class, and the etymological root of the word magic¹. Zoroastrianism is an ancient Persian monotheistic tradition that dates back to the 6th century BCE and contributed to the development of Judaism and Christianity. Zarathushtra, the prophet of the tradition, perceived the Supreme Intellect (God) as the divine order of Nature². Therefore, the duties of a Zoroastrian priest included the study of celestial bodies, interpretation of dreams and other sacred arts³. As astrologers, the Magi were skilled at predicting royal births by interpreting signs among the stars. In the Nativity legend of Matthew, the magi located Jesus by following the Star of Bethlehem.

Zoroastrian priest holding holy medicine (500 BCE) Iran

The Gifts

Then, opening their chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11 NRSV

Frankincense is mentioned frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. It’s a resin derived from Boswellia trees which are indigenous to the Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula. As instructed by YHWH, Jewish priests worked with Frankincense ceremonially as a perfume or incense. Ancient Israelites believed that direct eye contact with YHWH would result in death, therefore incense was lit to mask the divine image and enable direct interaction. For this reason, Frankincense was associated with divine presence and utilized for prayer and worship⁴. An appropriate offering for the incarnation of YHWH.

Myrrh is also a recurring ingredient in biblical herbalism. It’s a resin derived from the flowery Burseraceae plants indigenous to West Asia. Jewish priests mixed myrrh into anointing oils that were used during worship and to consecrate priests⁵. Anointing oils containing myrrh were also used to consecrate bodies during burial. This is the origin of the Chrisitan tradition that the presentation of myrrh at Jesus’ birth foreshadows Jesus’ death. A verse in Song of Songs, a secular book of ancient poetry in the Bible, likens myrrh to treasure. An indication of the esteem of this gift to the newborn king.

My beloved is to me a bag of myrrh between my breasts.

Song of Songs 1:13

Adoration of the Magi (late 17th century) Ethiopia

1. Alice L. Camille, “Why did the magi bring Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh?” U.S. Catholic 87 (2022): 49.

2. Jehan Bagali, "Training for priesthood in the modern world: a Zarathushtrian perspective,” Teaching Theology and Religion 9 (2006): 79.

3. Camille, “Magi,” 49.

4. Camille, “Magi,” 49.

5. Camille, “Magi,” 49.