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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, the kneeling king, Gaspar, represents Europe. 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.
Caspar (a.k.a. Gasper) is alternatively portrayed as the oldest and the youngest of the wise men. He is believed to have come from Europe or Tarsus bearing the gift of myrrh. Myrrh is the fragrant gum of certain plants which grew in Arabia and India. It was imported by the Israelites for use in expensive perfumes and incense. It also had medicinal uses. Because it was believed to strengthen a child and get rid of worms, the gift of myrrh signifies Christ's mortality, and His roles of the Suffering Savior and the Great Physician. It's both a Christmas and a Passion symbol. At Golgotha, before He was crucified, Jesus was offered "wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it". This drink was believed to lessen the pains of crucifixion. Myrrh was also used in the burial practices of the Jews. Nicodemus supplied a mixture of myrrh and aloes to wrap Christ's body when it was placed in the tomb . The wise men are said to have received the gifts of truth and humility in exchange for their myrrh.
Present your gift, in this long metallic brocade robe with attached belt cord and matching crown. Our biblical costumes are great ideas for Christmas play costumes!
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