The Three Wise Men

Of Wise Men, Gifts and Traditions

The story of the three wise men

Caspar (‘the treasurer’), Melchior (‘royal light’) and Balthasar (‘protect my life’) – these are the familiar names of the gift-bearers at the birth of Jesus. Who were these wise men from the East, and why are they so important to the Christmas season?

The story in the Bible: The three kings were the first to recognise Jesus as the King of the Jews and to pay him homage. They were astrologers from the East and followed the star (perhaps a comet or a supernova) to the birthplace of Bethlehem. There they presented the baby Jesus with gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold as a precious gift for the future King of the Jews, myrrh as a medicine (also interpreted as a burial offering) for the Messiah, and frankincense as a temple offering for the future High Priest of Israel. King Herod felt threatened by this prophecy and later ordered the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem. In the Christian Church, the Three Kings are regarded as saints.

Who were the Three Wise Men?

This question holds many secrets. Strictly speaking, they were not kings but philosophers or astrologers – indeed, wise men from the East. It was only over the course of the centuries that they came to be regarded as kings. Their names, too, seem uncertain, as they are called by different names depending on the religious community; among Syrian Christians, for example, they are known as Larvandad, Hormisdas and Gushnasaph. Their origins also appear to be unclear. Syria was suggested on the basis of their clothing, but a legend points to Persia. Originally, twelve wise men are said to have travelled from there to a village in what is now Turkey and sent three from their number to Jerusalem. In return for their gifts, they are said to have received a garment belonging to Jesus. Each of the twelve wanted a share for himself, so they burned the robe to divide the ashes amongst themselves. Yet in the ashes they found 12 gold pieces bearing the image of Jesus and Mary.

It is said that, because of this miracle, they built the church in Hah, which still stands today. From the 12th century onwards, one of the Three Kings was suddenly depicted with dark skin; this is usually Caspar, the youngest of the three. The supposed relics of the three wise men have travelled far and wide and can now be admired in Cologne Cathedral and in the Basilica of St Eustorgius in Milan.

Holidays and customs worldwide

The Feast of the Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, always takes place on 6 January. However, the actual name of the feast is ‘Epiphany’, as on this day the Church celebrates the revelation of Jesus’ divinity, which became visible at his baptism in the River Jordan. In addition, the transformation of water into wine at the Wedding at Cana is celebrated, and the Three Kings are venerated. In earlier times, the Octave Day on 13 January was also celebrated, but it was brought forward following the abolition of that holiday. Indeed, Christmas was originally celebrated in Rome on 6 January (Orthodox churches still do so today). Today in Italy, children receive gifts from the witch Befana on 6 January, and fair-like children’s events take place. In Spain, Epiphany is the day for exchanging Christmas gifts, in keeping with the tradition of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts. Parades are also held there, culminating in the Three Kings throwing sweets into the crowd. In Austria, as in many other countries, the Three Kings’ cake is given as a gift and eaten, and the carol singers go from house to house to collect money for children’s projects around the world.

Incidentally, carol singing was only rediscovered as a custom in the mid-20th century. In the Middle Ages, it was a way for poorer people to earn a little extra income. Today, the carol singers perform songs and recite poems, and bless the houses by writing the initials of the Three Kings, ‘C+M+B’, on the lintels with consecrated chalk. Incidentally, the initials also stand for ‘Christus mansionem benedicat’ (May Christ bless this house).

With this in mind, we wish you a wonderful festive season!

written by Christian Messmer