is little that the Gospel of Matthew mentions about the Wise Men. In particular, does not mention a specific number of them but who gave three gifts mentioned. Born
therefore Jesus in Bethlehem of Judah in the days of King Herod , came from the East to Jerusalem about magicians saying, Where is the king of the Jews just born? Matthew
2.1-2 Version Reina-Valera 1960
And going into the house, saw the child with his mother Mary , and fell down and worshiped him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts: gold , incense and myrrh . Matthew
2.11, Reina-Valera 1960
While it seems contradictory that practitioners of magic (severely admonished both the Old and New Testament) are admitted as worshipers the Messiah , we must note that the Greek term μάγος (wizard), it was used only to refer to sorcerers. It is used here to refer to wise men (and they are known in various versions of the Bible in English) or, more specifically, men of science. In fact, they had knowledge of the Scriptures (Matthew 2:5-6 ). It is possible that these magicians belonged to the Zoroastrian religion . [5] Matthew
belies that they were astrologers who know accurately the movement of a star ( 2:7) despite this being the general belief. Although well intentioned, your visit is due to general confusion and awakens distrust Herod ( 2:3), because I saw the new Messiah as a rival. Despite being old and already have reigned for over thirty years, Herod asks them to find out the exact spot of the birth of the Messiah (2:8 ) to power, thus ending their potential competitor. The wise, do not suspect that they find the child, love and gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (2:11 ). An angel prevents the magicians of the intentions that Herod kept ( 2:12), so do not return to him. Enraged, the king orders to kill all children under two years. By then, Joseph was warned in a dream (2:13 ) that must flee to Egypt with his family.
From this account, have been developed numerous legends about the events and personalities of these three figures, including the alleged real status.
therefore Jesus in Bethlehem of Judah in the days of King Herod , came from the East to Jerusalem about magicians saying, Where is the king of the Jews just born? Matthew
2.1-2 Version Reina-Valera 1960
And going into the house, saw the child with his mother Mary , and fell down and worshiped him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts: gold , incense and myrrh . Matthew
2.11, Reina-Valera 1960
While it seems contradictory that practitioners of magic (severely admonished both the Old and New Testament) are admitted as worshipers the Messiah , we must note that the Greek term μάγος (wizard), it was used only to refer to sorcerers. It is used here to refer to wise men (and they are known in various versions of the Bible in English) or, more specifically, men of science. In fact, they had knowledge of the Scriptures (Matthew 2:5-6 ). It is possible that these magicians belonged to the Zoroastrian religion . [5] Matthew
belies that they were astrologers who know accurately the movement of a star ( 2:7) despite this being the general belief. Although well intentioned, your visit is due to general confusion and awakens distrust Herod ( 2:3), because I saw the new Messiah as a rival. Despite being old and already have reigned for over thirty years, Herod asks them to find out the exact spot of the birth of the Messiah (2:8 ) to power, thus ending their potential competitor. The wise, do not suspect that they find the child, love and gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (2:11 ). An angel prevents the magicians of the intentions that Herod kept ( 2:12), so do not return to him. Enraged, the king orders to kill all children under two years. By then, Joseph was warned in a dream (2:13 ) that must flee to Egypt with his family.
From this account, have been developed numerous legends about the events and personalities of these three figures, including the alleged real status.
History and Legend
The most widespread tradition that came from the East, three in number, and they were guided by a star (very famous known as the star of Bethlehem ) that led them to Bethlehem. They sought the newborn Jesus and worshiped him, offering gold (representing its real nature as a present given to the kings), incense (representing the divine nature, used in worship at the altar of God) and myrrh (a compound embalmer for the dead, representing future suffering and death of Jesus). Before arriving, they found King Herod the Great in the city of Jerusalem, who I urge you to cleverly, back, talk to him to give notice of the exact spot where he was the child, and thus he too can go to worship. (Actually, what I wanted was to kill him, so ordered massacre of the innocents ).
The story goes on to tell how an angel appeared to the Magi and warned of the danger Jesus if they obeyed the wish of Herod. So, did not return for the same site. It seems that, just for the fact that the Gospel story indicate that they brought three gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh), it was assumed that there were three characters that brought them. Although at some point the different traditions have pointed out that there were four, seven and twelve.
The first time there is the name that we know the Three Kings is in the church of St. Apollinaris Nuovo in Ravenna ( Italy). The frieze of the image is decorated with mosaics of the mid-sixth century representing the procession of the Virgin. This procession is led by three characters dressed in the fashion Persian , headgear with a red cap and his attitude is going to offer what are in the hands of the Virgin who sits on a throne and a child on his left knee. Overhead three names can be read from right to left: Gaspar, Melchior, Balthassar ...
Mosaic of St. Apollinaris Nuovo (Ravenna, Italy). Gradually
tradition has added further details by way of symbolism has made them representatives of the three races known in antiquity, representatives of the three ages of man and representatives of the three continents ( Asia, Africa and Europe).
Arrival Three Kings is a topic also in the apocryphal Gospels . According to esoteric tradition applied to Christianity, these characters came from the place where the Prester John .
Another legend tells that after Jesus' resurrection, the Apostle Thomas found them in Saba. They were baptized and consecrated bishops. Later they were martyred in 70 and deposited in the same coffin. The remains were taken to Constantinople by Santa Elena . Subsequently, Frederick Barbarossa in XII century, were taken to Cologne, where today lie with the crown that supposedly took during its existence. Thousands of pilgrims began arriving in Cologne, which led in 1248 began building the cathedral Cologne, which would take more than 600 years to complete. Today is one of the Gothic monuments most impressive in Europe. Cologne has become with Rome and Santiago de Compostela one of the great centers of pilgrimage. There are also legends that speak of a Fourth Wise .
Celebration
Over time, in Catholic countries, adopted the custom of celebrating at the same time the day of Epiphany (the January 6) and Feast of the Magi, and the demonstration conjugating of Jesus to the world Jewish party representing these characters just this world of Gentiles. Little by little, he was forgetting the true meaning of the word epiphany and became synonymous with Adoration of the Magi.
On 6 is a holiday in Spain, Uruguay, parts of Germany (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Saxony-Anhalt) and in Austria, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Slovakia and parts of Switzerland (Schwyz, Tessin, Uri and some communities in the canton Graubünden).
[ edit] Customs related to the Magi
Representation Auto de los Reyes Magi, 1956, Churra
In Spain, compared with the recent introduction of Santa in custom Christmas due to the influence of American culture and foreign countries, it is traditional for Christmas gifts the children the Three Kings bring the night of 5 to 6 January. Before, the children must send a letter to the king asking for the presents they want and indicate the credit for those who deserve to receive gifts. On the night of January 5th children must leave their shoes in the house somewhere. The next day the gifts are there, or in the case of a wrong, coal in place. On January 6 festive often in Spain, even when regional party depends on the authorities of each region was established. Therefore has not considered a national holiday. Adults also receive gifts. The breakfast is typical of Kings Roscón that in many places yesterday to take tea or dinner. In Spain these roscones usually contain a Christmas figurine.
In some Latin American countries adopted the custom of the English that children (and by extension, older) receive gifts of the Magi, or the day before, that is, on the night of January 5 , Or the morning of January 6 (Argentina, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Uruguay). It is normal for children to write a letter to the king asking for the gifts they want and ensuring their good behavior during the year since, according to tradition, children who misbehave are sweet coal instead of gifts. Most postal services accept these cards. [12] [13] More recently has also begun the practice of writing through e-mail [14] or even directly to their website. [15] [16] [17]
The Magi children receive in a mall
Like the usual Anglo-Saxon about Santa Claus is often the wise men appear in gift shops and malls, where children have the opportunity to take a picture sitting on their knees and submit the letter with their requests directly. The representation usually consists of a stage with thrones and the characteristic symbols, such as pictures or drawings of camels, the star, a mailbox and Eastern-looking ornaments. In the thrones is where they feel the kings, is commonly characterized employees. Sometimes represent the three kings tradition, but depending on the circumstances or the size of the stage, may include only one. They also include a page, signature character in charge of leading the children from where they expect their parents to kings and to collect the cards.
In some places, the authorities organized the call Three Kings on January 5, during which the characters are usually on horseback or in carriages, wearing robes and crowns, instead of the Phrygian dress completely unknown. The next day, Jan. 6, is a public holiday. That day the children enjoy their gifts.
In Spain, the Kings put the gifts where children have left their shoes. Sweets are also left to give to the Magi and even food or water for the camels, which is the means of transport.
in Mexico is the second most important shrine in the world with respect to the Three Kings, located in the city of Tizimín, Yucatan, being visited by thousands of people during religious festivals in his honor held in late December and early January. [citation needed ]
In Puerto Rico, the night of January 5th children run around the yard collecting grass. They put the grass in a shoe box and placed the box next to your bed. The program is used to feed the camels. The Kings then leave gifts in the boxes.
In Peru, has fallen into disuse, giving gifts to children at this time. The celebration which usually is called the Bajada de Reyes , which consists of a family or community makes a small celebration as the whole structure Birth. When it comes to a community, it is customary to leave money while removing the ornaments and figures. This tradition has even private companies, which make this celebration among members of the same.
On 6 is a holiday in Spain, Uruguay, parts of Germany (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Saxony-Anhalt) and in Austria, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Slovakia and parts of Switzerland (Schwyz, Tessin, Uri and some communities in the canton Graubünden).
[ edit] Customs related to the Magi
Representation Auto de los Reyes Magi, 1956, Churra
In Spain, compared with the recent introduction of Santa in custom Christmas due to the influence of American culture and foreign countries, it is traditional for Christmas gifts the children the Three Kings bring the night of 5 to 6 January. Before, the children must send a letter to the king asking for the presents they want and indicate the credit for those who deserve to receive gifts. On the night of January 5th children must leave their shoes in the house somewhere. The next day the gifts are there, or in the case of a wrong, coal in place. On January 6 festive often in Spain, even when regional party depends on the authorities of each region was established. Therefore has not considered a national holiday. Adults also receive gifts. The breakfast is typical of Kings Roscón that in many places yesterday to take tea or dinner. In Spain these roscones usually contain a Christmas figurine.
In some Latin American countries adopted the custom of the English that children (and by extension, older) receive gifts of the Magi, or the day before, that is, on the night of January 5 , Or the morning of January 6 (Argentina, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Uruguay). It is normal for children to write a letter to the king asking for the gifts they want and ensuring their good behavior during the year since, according to tradition, children who misbehave are sweet coal instead of gifts. Most postal services accept these cards. [12] [13] More recently has also begun the practice of writing through e-mail [14] or even directly to their website. [15] [16] [17]
The Magi children receive in a mall
Like the usual Anglo-Saxon about Santa Claus is often the wise men appear in gift shops and malls, where children have the opportunity to take a picture sitting on their knees and submit the letter with their requests directly. The representation usually consists of a stage with thrones and the characteristic symbols, such as pictures or drawings of camels, the star, a mailbox and Eastern-looking ornaments. In the thrones is where they feel the kings, is commonly characterized employees. Sometimes represent the three kings tradition, but depending on the circumstances or the size of the stage, may include only one. They also include a page, signature character in charge of leading the children from where they expect their parents to kings and to collect the cards.
In some places, the authorities organized the call Three Kings on January 5, during which the characters are usually on horseback or in carriages, wearing robes and crowns, instead of the Phrygian dress completely unknown. The next day, Jan. 6, is a public holiday. That day the children enjoy their gifts.
In Spain, the Kings put the gifts where children have left their shoes. Sweets are also left to give to the Magi and even food or water for the camels, which is the means of transport.
in Mexico is the second most important shrine in the world with respect to the Three Kings, located in the city of Tizimín, Yucatan, being visited by thousands of people during religious festivals in his honor held in late December and early January. [citation needed ]
In Puerto Rico, the night of January 5th children run around the yard collecting grass. They put the grass in a shoe box and placed the box next to your bed. The program is used to feed the camels. The Kings then leave gifts in the boxes.
In Peru, has fallen into disuse, giving gifts to children at this time. The celebration which usually is called the Bajada de Reyes , which consists of a family or community makes a small celebration as the whole structure Birth. When it comes to a community, it is customary to leave money while removing the ornaments and figures. This tradition has even private companies, which make this celebration among members of the same.
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