Myrrh

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes of life of gathering gloom

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

From the American carol We three Kings of Orient written in 1857 by the Rev. John Henry Hopkins.

Myrrh is a highly aromatic oleoresin (a natural blend of essential oils and resin) produced by a number of small, thorny tree species, including Commiphora myrrha, which grow in the dry, stony soils of the Middle East.

Myrrh resin has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. It was used by the ancient Egyptians, along with natron, in the mummification process.

Myrrh is mentioned in the New Testament as one of the three gifts the magi presented to the Christ Child. Myrrh was also involved in Jesus' death and burial; he was offered wine and myrrh at the crucifixion and Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea brought a 100-pound mixture of myrrh and aloes to be used in the wrapping of Jesus' corpse.

I bought this myrrh, together with its companion incense, many years ago in Muscat, in the old souk.

#afternoon #vintage #tuesday #christmas #december #antique #theme-yuletide #myrrh