Symbols Myrrh, Frankincense, and Gold in Catholic Teaching

The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh presented to the infant Jesus by the Magi hold multifaceted significance, encompassing historical, practical, and symbolic interpretations. While traditional Christian teaching often emphasizes their symbolic meaning related to Jesus' kingship, divinity, and sacrificial death, historical and archaeological research suggests additional layers of meaning, particularly concerning the origin of the Magi and the practical value of these commodities in the ancient world.

Historically, these gifts were typical diplomatic offerings in the ancient Middle East, signifying tribute and submission to a greater ruler. The specific gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh strongly suggest the Magi originated from the Arabian Peninsula, particularly the Nabatean kingdom. Gold mines in western Arabia and Northeast Africa (the area of Sheba) produced some of the finest gold in the ancient world. Frankincense and myrrh, derived from the sap of trees, were cash crops primarily cultivated in eastern and southern Arabia, with the Nabateans holding a near monopoly on their trade routes during the time of Jesus' birth. This historical context indicates that the gifts were not only valuable but also representative of the Magi's homeland and their diplomatic mission, possibly from the court of Nabatean King Aretas IV to King Herod.

Beyond their historical and diplomatic context, the gifts also possessed significant practical value. Gold, a universally recognized precious metal, would have provided crucial financial resources for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, especially during their flight to Egypt to escape Herod's persecution. Frankincense and myrrh, while not as commonly used today, were highly prized in the ancient world for their medicinal, cosmetic, and religious applications. Frankincense, derived from Boswellia trees, was used as incense in religious ceremonies, perfumes, and lotions, and possessed antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it valuable for treating conditions like arthritis and improving oral hygiene. Myrrh, from Commiphora trees, was used as a perfume, incense, immunity booster, skin toner, and embalming agent. It also had antiseptic qualities for wound healing, pain-killing attributes, and was used in digestion. Both resins were scarce and cultivated in limited areas, contributing to their high value.

The most relevant answer part is the symbolic interpretation of the gifts in Catholic teaching. In Catholic theology, the gifts are traditionally understood to represent distinct aspects of Jesus' identity and destiny:

• Gold symbolizes Jesus' kingship. As a precious metal, gold has long been associated with royalty, wealth, and honor, befitting a newborn king.

• Frankincense symbolizes Jesus' divinity and priestly role. Frankincense was burned as an offering to God in temples and was an ingredient in sacred incense used in the Tabernacle and Temple worship. Its rising smoke was seen as a symbol of prayers ascending to God, thus signifying Jesus' divine nature and his role as the great High Priest.

• Myrrh symbolizes Jesus' mortality, suffering, and sacrificial death. Myrrh was commonly used as an anointing oil, in perfumes, and notably, as an embalming agent for the dead. Its inclusion foreshadows Jesus' eventual suffering and crucifixion, and his body being anointed with myrrh for burial.

This symbolic interpretation, popularized by early Christian scholars like Origen and widely accepted in Christian tradition, is encapsulated in the carol "We Three Kings," which states, "Glorious now behold Him arise/King and God and sacrifice". While the historical and practical aspects provide a richer understanding of the gifts, their theological symbolism remains central to Catholic teaching regarding the significance of the Magi's offerings.