{"id":42099,"date":"2022-11-29T09:47:09","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T09:47:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.soniademetz.com\/uncategorized\/figurines-of-the-nativity-scene-history-and-meaning-the-magi-kings\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T09:28:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T09:28:21","slug":"figurines-of-the-nativity-scene-history-and-meaning-the-magi-kings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.soniademetz.com\/en\/christmas\/figurines-of-the-nativity-scene-history-and-meaning-the-magi-kings\/","title":{"rendered":"FIGURINES OF THE NATIVITY SCENE – HISTORY AND MEANING: THE MAGI KINGS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n

Figurines of the nativity scene – history and meaning – Magi Kings<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Several are the tales and legends that surround these three characters coming along with their gifts. \nThe Magi, were announced in the second chapter of Matthew\u2019 gospel only, traditionally appearing at the nativity scene on January 6th – Solemnity of the Epiphany. On this day the Catholic Church commemorates them as Saints. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They come from the so-called Orient, today’s Middle East and were experts in astronomy. Their number was determined based on the gifts presented to Baby Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

WISE MEN COMING FROM FAR AWAY<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

They embody wise men and scholars from around the world who humble themselves to praise a child. Along their way they face danger and desert. They make important decisions, such as not returning to Herod. They teach us that eventually we may start from far-out to find Jesus.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to modern studies, astronomers have been able to determine that about 2000 years ago there was indeed a conjunction between Saturn and Jupiter. The latter may raised the comet star that led the three kings on their way to the creche in Bethlehem where Jesus Christ was born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The desire for knowledge and a deep original faith made sure that the three kings set out to kneel before a child and praise it, though not being confused by the poverty of the place of birth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Indoor<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

THREE GIFTS, THREE MAGI KINGS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The three kings are physically unlike, bringing along three gifts that are certainly distinctive in their home countries. In fact, the kings embody the three continents known at the time: Africa, Asia and Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caspar<\/strong>, the youngest, carries and donates frankincense<\/strong>: symbol of divinity. Frankincense is primarily used on religious ceremonies and funerals. It\u2019s extracted from Boswellia, a plant used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. The name Caspar is derived from the Greek Galgalath and means Lord of Sheba, the legendary kingdom of present-day\u2019s Yemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melchior<\/strong> the elder, has Persian origins having European features. He, whose name means king, carries and donates gold<\/strong> as a sign of wealth, it is said to represent Jesus Christ, who himself will be called “King of kings”. Separately, a doubtful interpretation of a translation of the gospel from the Aramaic calls for gold of the east or curcuma as a gift. This valuable golden colored spice possesses great healing power which would harmonize along with the properties of frankincense and myrrh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar<\/strong>, known as the Moor because of his dark skin, carries and donates myrrh. Myrrh<\/strong> is a resin used in funerals in ancient times. This ingredient should stand for the suffering and passing away of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n