The Adoration of the Magi by Diego Velázquez in 1619. In Christianity, the wise men are rich and powerful figures who came from Bethlehem to worship Jesus shortly after his birth.
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As good astronomers, they observe the stars and spot one that is different from the others. They interpret it as a very important omen: the birth of the King of the Jews. The wise men follow the movement of this particular star and are led to the stable where Jesus was born. When they arrive, they bring very symbolic gifts.
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Who are the kings?
These magi are Balthazar, Gaspard, and Melchior.
Balthazar is described with a black face, he is descended from Ham, son of Noah, and represents Arabia. He offers gold (reserved for kings), a symbol of Jesus’ royalty.
Melchior is described as young, with an Asian face, and represents India. He offers incense (used to honor God), a symbol of Jesus’ divinity.
Gaspard, on the other hand, represents Persia and is depicted as an old man with white hair. He offers myrrh (used to embalm the dead), a symbol that Jesus was also a man and foretells his death on the cross.
Refusing to denounce Jesus as the “King of the Jews” to King Herod, the Magi returned to their respective lands.
One day on the calendar is set aside to celebrate the adoration of Jesus by Gaspard, Melchior, and Balthazar, which is the epiphany (in Greek, the appearance) that takes place on January 6. Note that this day is not a public holiday and that traditionally the epiphany is celebrated on the first Sunday of January around the famous galette des rois.
To memorize the names of the three kings, two mnemonics are easy to remember: “Mega Ball” or “Mega Ball.”
For: Melchior, Gaspard, Balthazar (or Balthazar, Melchior, Gaspard).
Tag: the magi