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Who exactly are the Three Kings? The Bible speaks of wise men rather than monarchs, and historians say they were probably magicians or astronomers; they have stood for the Three Ages of Man and for the different human temperaments and thus have acquired a universal character, standing for all humanity. In Gossaert's magnificent 'Adoration of the Kings', dating from the early 1500s, Balthazar, the black king, represents Africa. The three wise men, who came from the East, following a mysterious wandering star and knelt at the crib in Bethlehem, bearing precious gifts for the infant Christ.
Balthazar came from either Ethiopia or Saba. He is often portrayed as a black man of about forty years of age. He brought the gift of frankincense. Frankincense is the dried resin of Boswellia trees, which at the time of Christ grew in Arabia, India, and Ethiopia. It was used in perfumes and incense for the temple worship. Because incense represents the prayers of the faithful rising towards Heaven, the gift of frankincense symbolizes sacrifice, Christ's divine nature, and His titles of High Priest and Son of God. The wise men were given the gift of Faith for their frankincense. Dress as a King in this Striped lame robe with attached belt cord and matching fez hat with tassel.
Like all of our biblical theme or character costumes, these Balthazar wise men costumes are great ideas for Christmas play costumes!
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