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 Herbs are intricately woven into Christmas tradition. Several are brought to us directly from the biblical Christmas tale itself. Myrrh and Frankincense were of course given to the infant Jesus by the Magi.
Other herbs such as Sage, for immortality and domestic happiness; Lavender, a symbol of purity and virtue; horehound, representative of giving good health; rue, as a symbol of grace and also banishes evil; thyme, a symbol of bravery; and costmary, also called bible leaf, represents everlasting life- all have also become associated with the holiday.
Lets take a look at the most common Christmas herbs to find out more details about them. The three wise men in the story of Christmas carried gold, frankincense and myrrh.
What are frankincense and myrrh?
 Frankincense and myrrh are both resins -- dried tree sap -- that come from trees of the genus Boswellia (frankincense) and Commiphora (myrhh), which are common to Somalia and Oman.
Frankincense
Frankincense was one of the gifts of the Magi. Tradition says that it was presented to the Christ Child by Balthasar, the black king from Ethiopia or Saba, thus fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that gold and frankincense would be brought from the Gentiles to honor the heavenly king.
Frankincense was the purest incense. When burned it produced a white smoke which symbolized the prayers and praises of the faithful ascending to heaven. Because the ancients often burned frankincense during religious rituals, this gift symbolizes sacrifice, Christ's divinity, His sweet savor, and His priestly role. It is also a symbol of the Divine name of God.
Frankincense is a sweet smelling gum resin derived from certain Boswellia trees which, at the time of Christ, grew in Arabia, India, and Ethiopia. This gum is known as frankincense. Its name in other languages is: luban (Arabic), libanos (Greek), olibanum (Latin), incense (French and German).
The frankincense trade was at its height during the days of the Roman Empire. At that time this resin was considered as valuable as gems or precious metals.
Myrrh
Myrrh was another one of the gifts of the Magi or wise men. Legend says Caspar brought the gift of myrrh from Europe or Tarsus and placed it before the Christ Child. Because of myrrh's various medicinal uses this gift represents Christ's human nature, the Suffering Savior, the Great Physician, and the Passion.
Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin which oozes from gashes cut in the bark of a small desert tree known as Commiphora Myrrha - Balsamodendron Myrrha or the dindin tree. (The gashes are said to be reminders of the wounds Christ received while being flogged by the Roman soldiers.) Myrrh was an extremely valuable commodity during biblical times and was imported from India and Arabia.
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HERBS CHECK OUT OUR INTRODUCTION TO HERBALISM HOME STUDY COURSE.
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