Biblical Magi

The Biblical Magi also known as Three Wise Men or Three Kings, were, in the Gospel of Matthew and Christian tradition, distinguished foreigners who visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They are regular figures in traditional accounts of the nativity celebrations of Christmas and are an important part of Christian tradition.

Origin

The word Magi is a term, used since at least the 4th century BC, for followers of Zoroastrianism or Zoroaster. The Magi are described as "wise men from the East" in the Gospel of Matthew and are traditionally said to have visited Jesus after his birth.

Gifts

The Magi are popularly referred to as wise men and kings. The word magi is the plural of Latin magus, borrowed from Greek μάγος magos, as used in the original Greek text of the Gospel of Matthew (in the plural: μάγοι). The gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) are somewhat mysterious in their symbolism. Gold is a traditional symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) is a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) is a symbol of death.

In Christian Tradition

In Western Christianity, the feast that commemorates the visit of the Magi, Epiphany, is celebrated on January 6. In these churches, the day begins the liturgical season of Epiphanytide, which lasts until Ash Wednesday.

In Art and Music

The Biblical Magi have been a popular subject in Christian art and music. They have been depicted in numerous works of art, such as paintings and sculptures, and their journey to visit the Christ Child has been the theme of many traditional Christmas carols.

See Also

• Star of Bethlehem
• Adoration of the Magi
• Adoration of the Magi in Art

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  Magi (1)
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  Biblical Magi stained glass window, ca. 1896, Church of the Good Shepherd (Rosemont, Pennsylvania)
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  Adorazione dei Magi - sec III dC
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  The three Magi (Balthasar, Caspar, Melchior)
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  The Magi Journeying (Les rois mages en voyage) - James Tissot
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  Three kings
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  Caspar by Jan van Bijlert
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  Gold Coin of Heiliodotos
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  Olibanum resin
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  Commiphora myrrha resin myrrh