Frankincense

We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

We are all familiar with the gifts that the three kings brought to the Christ child; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Of the three, gold is known in modern times as something of great worth. But what are the other two items that these kings thought worthy as gifts to the Son of God? I had a curiosity about frankincense so that is the topic of the day.

Frankincense is an aromatic resin from the aromatic Boswellia tree. Never heard of it. The name is reported to be a result of Frankish (French) crusaders returning to Europe. They brought the incense with them so it was the incense of Franks. Since the romance languages are all backwards, it translates into Frankincense when put in English. The name that is used in the native Middle East is olibanum.

It is produced by slashing the bark of the Boswellia tree and letting the sap harden. The tree is tapped 2 or 3 times per year with the last tap being the best resin. The resin contains oils that are steam distilled to produce the materials for perfume and aromatherapy. It is mainly produced in Oman, Yemen and Somalia.

Icool

Cobb