What Are Frankincense and Myrrh?

According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh as expensive gifts to the young Jesus. We all know what gold is, but what is this frankincense and myrrh stuff? What did the ancients use it for?

Uploaded 20-12-16

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Further Reading:

Dr. Sarah Bond's article: https://marquettehistorians.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/sweat-of-the-gods-frankincense-and-myrrh-in-antiquity/

Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey: "Scenting Salvation: Ancient Christianity and the Olfactory Imagination"

Ambrose quote from his "Exposition of the Christian Faith," ch. IV.31: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf210.iv.iv.iii.v.html

Incense altar painting from Aldobrandini Wedding Fresco found in Rome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldobrandini_Wedding


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