Frankincense, Myrrh, and Mardi Gras: A Celebration of Tradition

Frankincense, Myrrh, and Mardi Gras: A Celebration of Tradition

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Frankincense and Myrrh: Gifts Fit for a King (and Your Soap!)

 

 

Frankincense and myrrh. The very names conjure images of ancient lands, biblical stories, and rich, exotic aromas. These precious resins, gifted by the Magi to the newborn Jesus, hold a special place in history and continue to be prized for their unique properties, even finding their way into handcrafted soaps today. But what exactly are frankincense and myrrh, and why were they considered such valuable gifts?

Aromatic Treasures: What They Are and Where They Come From

Frankincense and myrrh are both aromatic resins harvested from trees belonging to the Boswellia and Commiphora genera, respectively. Frankincense, often called "olibanum," comes primarily from trees native to the Arabian Peninsula, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Myrrh, with its more pungent, slightly bitter scent, is sourced from trees found in similar regions, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

The harvesting process is an ancient art. The bark of the tree is carefully incised, and a milky sap oozes out. This sap is left to harden into "tears" or "gum," which are then collected. The quality of the resin is influenced by factors like the tree's age, growing conditions, and the specific harvesting technique.

A History Steeped in Tradition

Frankincense and myrrh have been traded and used for millennia. Ancient civilizations in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and beyond valued these resins for their use in religious ceremonies, perfumes, and medicinal preparations. They were highly prized commodities, often more valuable than gold.

Of course, the most well-known association is with the biblical story of the Three Wise Men, or Magi, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. These gifts weren't chosen at random. Gold symbolized royalty, frankincense was associated with divinity and used in temple rituals, and myrrh, while also used in perfumery, was commonly used for embalming, hinting at Jesus's future sacrifice. These gifts, therefore, acknowledged Jesus's kingly status, divine nature, and foreshadowed his ultimate destiny.

Epiphany, Twelfth Night, and the Road to Mardi Gras

The arrival of the Magi and their gifts is celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, traditionally observed on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. This day marks the revelation of Jesus's divinity to the Gentiles. The symbolism of the three gifts continues to resonate, representing not only reverence but also the preciousness of these natural substances.

The celebration of Epiphany also connects to the vibrant festivities of Twelfth Night, particularly in Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  Twelfth Night marks the official end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the Carnival season, which culminates in Mardi Gras. King cakes, often baked with a hidden "baby" inside, are a central part of Twelfth Night and Carnival celebrations. Whoever finds the baby is crowned king or queen and hosts the next party. This tradition, while seemingly separate, echoes the themes of kingship and celebration associated with the Magi's gifts.

Frankincense and Myrrh Today (and in Your Soap!)

While no longer used for embalming, frankincense and myrrh continue to be valued for their aromatic properties. Their complex and evocative scents are often used in perfumes, incense, and aromatherapy. More recently, they've found their way into handcrafted soaps, adding a touch of history and luxury to everyday cleansing. The warm, resinous notes of these ancient substances can transform a simple bar of soap into an indulgent sensory experience.

From ancient temples to modern bathrooms, frankincense and myrrh have traveled through time, carrying with them a rich history and captivating aroma. These gifts, once fit for a king, can now be enjoyed by everyone, adding a touch of history and luxury to our daily lives.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Thanks for Reading! -- The Lazy Dairy Maid

Author: Lazy Dairy Maid --

Sharing a daily routine with these animals and nurturing the land has instilled a deep appreciation for natural ingredients and time-honored traditions, like bread baking, cheesemaking, and the art of cold process soap production.

Read More Here---Meet the Maker: Lazy Dairy Maid

--Artwork based on original photo provided by Nina J Carver-- Waveland MS, Mardi Gras, 1990. 

Side Note: This blog focuses on the process of saponification. It does not delve into the specific properties of any soap itself, as those would fall under the purview of the FDA as cosmetics or drugs.


This blog post aims to inform it's readers about saponification, highlighting the care and craftsmanship involved in creating this natural and luxurious product, cold process soap.

EastDarringtonTrade.com 

We produce small batch cold processed soaps and therefore maintain a limited stock. Join our Mailing List, as we frequently add new batches and make sure to grab your favorites while supplies last. Our cold process soaps feature purposeful ingredients, distinctive botanicals, clays, and other additions. All made with sustainable, eco-friendly oils and never made with palm oil. We use natural fragrances and colorants, with the option of farm fresh, cruelty free, goat milk or vegan friendly milks. Hand poured in the North Cascades of Washington State, USA. Local Pick Up Available for King, Snohomish, and Skagit Counties.

 

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