Christmas often brings nativity plays performed by children, focusing on the events described in the Gospel accounts of Luke and Matthew. These stories, primarily written as religious texts rather than chronological records, are not entirely considered historically accurate by most biblical scholars. However, some elements of the story align with the customs and practices of people living in the Middle East around two thousand years ago. For example, the wise men’s gifts frankincense and myrrh were likely both practical and valuable to a young mother who had just given birth.
Why Were These Gifts Significant?
People in ancient times had a deep understanding of the healing properties of plants and their extracts, particularly for managing the pain and complications of childbirth. In the Middle East, around two thousand years ago, frankincense and myrrh were readily available and widely used, making them thoughtful and beneficial gifts for a new mother.
Myrrh: Nature’s Healing Resin
Myrrh is derived from the resin of small trees or shrubs, specifically *Commiphora myrrha* or *Commiphora gileadensis*, which are native to Somalia and the Middle East. For centuries, myrrh was used in ointments and remedies, including traditional Chinese medicine (known as Mo Yao), to treat arthritis symptoms and as a disinfectant. In ancient Egypt, it was also used in embalming.
These aromatic plants grow as small trees or shrubs about three meters tall, with thick trunks, brown bark, and thorny branches. The resin contains compounds such as myrcene, camphorene, and guggulsterols, along with other essential oils chemically similar to catnip. Together, these compounds produce pain-relieving effects even stronger than morphine by acting on the brain's natural opioid receptors. The resin also has anti-inflammatory properties similar to aspirin, and it is considered safe for consumption.
For a woman recovering from childbirth, myrrh offered additional benefits. It promoted blood clotting and reduced postpartum bleeding, crucial for recovery after delivery. Additionally, there is an interesting reason why the wise men might have traveled at night—myrrh's medicinal components are sensitive to sunlight, which could degrade their effectiveness.
Frankincense: A Calming and Restorative Gift
Frankincense comes from the resin of the *Boswellia sacra* tree, which grows in Somalia and Saudi Arabia. This resin contains boswellic acids and terpenes, which recent studies suggest have potent anti-inflammatory effects. In ancient Egypt, frankincense was a popular remedy for arthritis and other conditions involving pain and inflammation.
Modern research has also revealed that one compound in frankincense, called incensole acetate, has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects similar to medications like Valium and Prozac. For a new mother, frankincense would have provided relief from stress and postpartum anxiety, in addition to helping manage physical pain.
A Thoughtful Combination of Healing Properties
In ancient times, frankincense and myrrh were often used together to ease pain, reduce postpartum bleeding, and alleviate anxiety, lowering the risk of postpartum depression. Any leftover resin could be burned as incense—a practice that elevated these substances' spiritual significance and solidified their status as valuable gifts.
These practical and healing gifts, as highlighted in the Christmas story, showcase the wisdom and thoughtfulness of the three wise men. Their offerings were not just symbols of wealth or reverence but were also deeply meaningful for the time and context, providing physical and emotional comfort to a new mother.