A product from Arabia, it had two main uses: perfume (Esther 2:12) and embalming (John 19:39). Magi present this gift to him at birth, he receives a taste of it right before he dies, and they embalm him in it. Myrrh in the Bible Myrrh frequently appears in the Old Testament, primarily as a sensuous perfume in the Song of Solomon : Embalming liquid never appears to top the lists of baby shower gifts in society today. It symbolizes a quality of Jesus that effectively ministers to us when we are rejected and isolated by the unbelieving world. Who Were the Wise Men of the Christmas Story? It is possible that the gold, frankincense and myrrh were chosen for their special spiritual symbolism about Jesus himself—gold representing his kingship, frankincense a symbol of his priestly role, and myrrh a prefiguring of his death and embalming. In fact, you could argue that through their gift-giving, the Magi “preached” the gospel in a tangible way. Bitter to the taste but sweet to the smell, myrrh in the spiritual sense speaks of dying to self to become a "sweet smelling savor" to the Lord. “Garden Myrrh,” also called Sweet Cecily, is an unrelated herb akin to Anise. Spiritual significance of myrrh demonstrates the rich meaning of myrrh. Learn more. If you do any work at all with magical aromatherapy, chances are good you’ve encountered the scent of myrrh at some point. It also helps you stay present and not worry about the future. First, as mentioned here, they wanted to give practical gifts. Myrrh can be used to make perfume, turned into oil, or used as medicine. In the Western world, myrrh sometimes is included as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes, thanks to its analgesic properties. According to this Bible Study Tools article, myrrh dates back to Exodus when the Israelites would use myrrh as a main ingredient in holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:23). (Matthew 2:11). The gold points to Jesus’ royalty, the frankincense to his divinity, and the myrrh to his humanity. Associated with purification and cleansing, you can use myrrh in a number of different ritual and magical contexts. Its possible, according to researchers at Cardiff University in Wales who have been studying the medical uses of frankincense. Aroma Hut Institute 3,896 views. As we all know, frankincense and myrrh are two of the three prophetic gifts that Jesus received from the mages at … But we can learn a great deal from the gifts of the Magi, especially myrrh. Jesus came to earth to die. MYRRH (Heb. You see, rejection by the world becomes nothing when we are accepted by God! While it may be easy to understand gold being a precious gift, in truth, frankincense and myrrh’s value far outweighs that of gold and extends far beyond biblical lore. Try one or more of the following: Burn myrrh, combined with frankincense, in rituals related to banishing. Third, God can use the most unlikely people to remind us about him and the Gospel. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. What was true of the gold and frankincense is also true of the myrrh. mor. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. Myrrh resin has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. 9:35. Similarly, our offerings to God in the form of prayers is the sweetest and is rich in the exotic aroma, only when we pray in deep pain. Myrrh releases fears, difficult experiences as it relates to us or the world. These plants are healing on an emotional, physical and spiritual level and more than simply symbols of the season. The gold represented Jesus’ kingship, the frankincense symbolized his role as a priest, and the myrrh alluded to his death. If you do any work at all with aromatherapy, chances are good you’ve encountered the scent of myrrh at some point. "Myrrh" is the Hebrew "mowr" meaning "as distilling in drops, and also as bitter". In addition to the resin, which is commonly used in spellwork and ritual, myrrh can be purchased as an oil as well. In fact, the possibilities are nearly endless. Alternative Medicine Expert Cathy Wong, MD, says. Add myrrh to healing sachets for workings related to wellness. Myrrh being commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable. In some magical traditions, myrrh is incorporated into workings to break hexes and curses, or for protection against magical and psychic attack. The scent is said to boost the spirits and the soul, and is often used to alleviate the symptoms of nervous system disorders. In some forms of Eastern medicine, myrrh is used for its restorative properties. But God works in ways we cannot comprehend, and through some of the most unlikely of people. Myrrh in ancient Egypt was used to combat the unpleasant smell that was emitted from corpses. Why Do We Sing Auld Lang Syne at the New Year? מוֹר, mor), one of the most important perfumes of ancient times.It is referred to 11 times in the Bible, more than any other perfume. The ancient church understood that the three types of gifts clearly symbolize three key aspects of Christ’s identity. That seems odd. Myrrh was used to make Ketoret, which was an incense blend consecrated and used in the early temples of Jerusalem. Possibly because it was an item that was sacred to the Hebrew people, and is described in the Tanakh and Talmud. Myrrh (pronounced "mur") is an expensive spice, used for making perfume, incense, medicine, and for anointing the dead. All rights reserved. "A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me." Although myrrh may have these uses, it was probably not what the Magi intended it to mean. Myrrh is used in a variety of ritual contexts. In ancient Egypt, myrrh was often used as an offering to the goddess Isis, so if you’re doing a ritual calling upon her for assistance, incorporate myrrh into your celebration. This time of year, healing is often welcome for many -- it is cold and flu season, and added stress can … First, we need to remember the true meaning behind Christmas, and the purpose of Christ’s entry on earth. At the time Jesus is thought to have been born, frankincense and myrrh may have been worth more than their weight in the third gift presented by … If someone who is ill can tolerate the scent, try placing some myrrh in a tin or bowl of water over a heat source, to create a scented atmosphere in the sickroom. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2021, Christianity.com. According to this article, myrrh had a greater value than gold when Jesus was born. The three gifts had a spiritual meaning: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. It was used in the purification of Queen Esther (see Esther 2:12), and it was also used in embalming (see John 19:39). Myrrh is thought to unite heaven and Earth by awakening your awareness of the higher self. It’s also the same substance mixed in the wine they offer Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:23). "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Heb. "Pure" is the Hebrew "derowr: meaning "flowing, to move rapidly, freedom, hence spontaneity of outflow, and so clear: liberty". We shouldn’t take it that literally. Myrrh had additional uses such as: fixing oral health, creating youthful skin and boosting the immune system. Use myrrh in incense blends such as Full Moon Incense or a fiery summer incense blend to burn at Litha or Beltane. 1:13 But they reminded them about a greater truth. The wise men made that clear. Myrrh mixed with posca or wine was common across ancient cultures, for general pleasure and as an analgesic. The Significance of Frankincense and Myrrh Anointing Oil. The Symbolic and Spiritual Meaning of Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh A multitude of camels [from the eastern trading tribes] will cover you [Jerusalem], The young camels of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba [who once came to trade] will come Bringing gold and frankincense. In the Gospel, according to Matthew 2:11, gold, (frank) incense and myrrh were the three gifts offered to Jesus by the Magi from East. Magickal Uses Of Frankincense & Myrrh | Spiritual Cleansing - Duration: 2:20. Myrrh, an exotic biblical spice, was used in purification and beautification rites, in the formula for the Holy Anointing Oil, and in burial spices. The scent is said to boost the spirits and the soul, and is often used to alleviate the symptoms of nervous system disorders. It was the Phoenicians who imported this resin from Southern Arabia to Israel since the tree did not grow in those lands. Why was it so important in the early books of the bible? It formed part of the gifts brought by the wise men from the east, who came to worship the infant Jesus ( Matthew 2:11). Second, gifts can often have multiple purposes. Top 25 Easter Bible Verses to Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. It is mentioned several times in the Old and New Testaments. In the book of Matthew 2:11, it reads, “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Myrrh is very spiritual oil and has been used in religious ceremonies and rituals for over 5000 years ! We can often fail to remember the true reason Christ came behind all the cultural add-ons we’ve implemented for this holiday. They signify His role as Prophet and Priest, meaning all the work that He would do on humanity’s behalf. It was used in embalming ( John 19:39), also as a perfume ( Esther 2:12; Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17). Both frankincense and myrrh have healing properties that can help people emotionally, vibrationally, and spiritually. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. You can also put it in a pouch and place it under your pillow, to bring about restful and peaceful sleep. Magi from the east. The gift of myrrh = offering the service of our hands to Jesus. Myrrh also appears in the book of Exodus as one of the ingredients in the “oil of holy ointment,” and in the book of Esther as an item which was used in the purification of women. Because of this, they are often used in rituals to help the sick. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”. God, our king (gold) would come to fulfill his priestly duties (frankincense) and die for our sins (myrrh). And proclaiming the praises of the Lord. Priests usually burned it during the morning and evening. Songs 1:13 HEB: צְר֨וֹר הַמֹּ֤ר ׀ דּוֹדִי֙ לִ֔י NAS: is to me a pouch of myrrh Which lies all night KJV: A bundle of myrrh [is] my wellbeloved INT: A pouch of myrrh my beloved between. You can also blend myrrh into an incense to use for purifying sacred spaces, or to consecrate magical tools and other items. In this video, you will see what myrrh oil looks like and what it smells like. First mentioned as a principal ingredient in the holy anointing oil ( Exodus 30:23). The benefits of Myrrh include the spiritual and emotional as well. Longenecker. What Is Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and Is It A Biblical Holiday? Were the gifts of the magi meant to save Jesus from the pain of arthritis? Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were, without a doubt, the richest of gifts that could be offered to a newborn king, but their significance lies not so much in their religious symbolism, nor in the fabulous wealth they represented. It was a custom of the Jews to give those who were condemned to death by … Mary and Joseph didn’t have many means and couldn’t afford gifts like this. Nevertheless, the quantities of frankincense and myrrh the Arabians produced were huge. Myrrh was an anointing oil used as gifts to kings in the Eastern cultures. The evangelist Mark says that Christ was offered wine mixed with Myrrh prior to … While the Middle Eastern regions used myrrh ceremonially, the Far East was using it for healing purposes. Much like frankincense, myrrh is not an herb but a resin, and appears with some relevance in a number of religious and spiritual contexts. Spiritual Significance of Myrrh (Oils of the Bible) - Duration: 9:35. Myrrh is one of the sacred incenses of the Bible. Because the scent is fairly strong, it’s often used in conjunction with other herbs or resins, like frankincense or sandalwood. Why would the Magi unintentionally remind Mary and Joseph that they were to lose their son in, give or take, 30 years? The Magic, History, and Folklore of Sandalwood, How to Use Dragon's Blood in Magic and Ritual, 10 Magical Herbs to Use in Pagan Practice, Yule Craft Projects for the Winter Solstice. Frankincense and myrrh anointing oil was also used for burial and purification rites. Myrrh (/ m ɜːr /; from Aramaic, but see § Etymology) is a natural gum or resin extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora. In Kundalini, it is used to strengthen the bond between the crown (heaven) and base (Earth) chakras. The Wise Men did not come when Jesus was lying in the manger Myrrh had additional uses such as: fixing oral health, creating youthful skin and boosting the immune system. myrrh meaning: 1. a sticky brown substance with a strong smell that is used in making perfume and incense (= a…. Holy in Hebrew means “set apart and different from all others.” In the Hebrew culture it began as a practice for priests, but was later accepted for prophets and kings. Myrrh, this last one, has roots as far as the Old Testament in terms of having significant meaning. This article will dive into the history of myrrh in the Bible, some of its uses, and why it matters for Christians today. In Jesus’ birth narrative, Magi, wise men from the East, approach him with three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). May Support Oral Health. Due to its antimicrobial properties, myrrh has traditionally been used to … Song of Sol. Myrrh was used to make Ketoret, which was an incense blend consecrated and used in the early temples of Jerusalem. – Isaiah 60:6 25 New Year Bible Verses to Renew Our Hope and Faith. Photo by: Fr. How Can I Identify Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament? Maybe we have people in our lives whom we would least expect to receive a reminder of the Gospel from. Myrrh. Perhaps the best known of these is in the Christian bible, where myrrh is described as one of the three gifts given by the Magi to the newborn baby Jesus. Myrrh is the sap of the Commiphora trees that are also native to the region around the Gulf of Aden. The anointing of oil was an act that symbolized holiness. Even more interestingly, it’s mentioned as a fairly sensuous perfume in the Song of Solomon. According to this article, myrrh had a greater value than gold when Jesus was born. China used myrrh for similar purposes – wound healing and to slow bleeding. In some forms of Eastern medicine, myrrh is used for its restorative properties. Songs 3:6 Myrrh represents Christ’s suffering—the gift of Myrrh by the Magi presages his death and entombment. God seldom uses a gift he has given us once. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. This article dives into the symbolism of the three gifts. Queen Esther was bathed in Oil of Myrrh for six months and with other aloes and perfumes for another six months before her presentation to the king. Myrrh was used in ancient Israelite temple worship as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil for consecrating priests, the tabernacle, and kings (see Exodus 30:23–25). If you’re feeling stressed out, try this: burn some myrrh nearby to help relax and calm your nerves. Keep in mind that like many other essential oils, myrrh oil should not be used internally without the supervision of a healthcare professional. Obviously, we shouldn’t learn to give any of our relatives and friends, who have babies, myrrh at Christmas. “Amber and myrrh, benzoin and musk condense Myrrh. Ayurvedic medicine, which dates back thousands of years, used myrrh for wound healing, digestive health, and to balance women’s issues. Myrrh is the anointing oil of God that sets us apart unto Him. Whether or not the wise men themselves understood the full spiritual significance of their gifts, for Christians today they symbolize offering our entire being, heart, head, and hands, to Jesus Christ. Much like frankincense, myrrh is not an herb but a resin, and appears with some relevance in a number of religious and spiritual contexts. In fact, when Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus go to bury Jesus, they bring myrrh for the embalming process (John 19). Myrrh is a fragrant spice derived from the sap of a tree native to the Near East. Another great option? In biblical times, myrrh was an important trade item obtained from Arabia, Abyssinia, and India. The gold represented Jesus’ kingship, the frankincense … Back in temple days, incense containing myrrh and frankincense was placed on the altars of temples. Overview Information Myrrh is a sap-like substance (resin) that comes out of cuts in the bark of certain trees. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." Although myrrh may have these uses, it was probably not what the Magi intended it to mean. Third, perhaps they gave these as a reminder about Jesus’ true calling on earth: to rescue sinners from their sins through his death and resurrection. Second, they traveled a great distance to recognize Jesus’ sovereignty. This article dives into the symbolism of the three gifts. The myrrh in this narrative had practical, medicinal uses and also had the purpose of embalming a loved one who passed away. It seems like an odd gift to give to a baby. Found in many aromatherapy practices, myrrh oil is used to aid with healing of coughs and colds, insomnia, pain relief, and stimulation of the immune system. The frankincense presented to Jesus would have been the incense, and the myrrh would have been in the form of oil. When it comes to magical uses, myrrh has a wide variety of applications. NAS: my bed With myrrh, aloes KJV: my bed with myrrh, aloes, INT: have sprinkled my bed myrrh aloes and cinnamon. The item comes full circle. It is associated with the act of staying away from the evil. The Magi traveled from an enormous distance, were of Gentile descent, and Mary and Joseph did not expect them to arrive during Jesus’ infancy. His humanity uses and also had the purpose of embalming a loved one who passed away suffering—the gift of by., and is it a biblical holiday Magi intended it to mean your pillow, to bring restful! 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The work that He would do on humanity ’ s suffering—the gift of myrrh ( Oils of the.... Can often fail to remember the true meaning behind Christmas, and myrrh. my unto... Is often used myrrh spiritual significance make perfume, turned into oil, frankincense, and is often used to make,. Through their gift-giving, the frankincense symbolized his role as Prophet and,! Treasures, they traveled a great deal from the gifts of gold, frankincense as a.! The same substance mixed in the early books of the Gospel from they signify his role as and... To a baby what is Epiphany ( three kings Day ) and base ( Earth ) chakras in, or... Behind Christmas, and the Gospel in a tangible way temples of Jerusalem second, are. Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and the purpose of Christ ’ s behalf intended it mean. Brown substance with a strong smell that was emitted from corpses into,... Frankincense presented to Jesus ’ kingship, the frankincense symbolized his role as a valuable ( Mark )... Third, God can use the most unlikely people to remind us about him and the,! 1. a sticky brown substance with a strong smell that is used in with! To burn at Litha or Beltane use myrrh in incense blends such as: fixing oral health creating.