Los Reyes Mago - The Magi

Description

People all over the world celebrate and honor the Magi not only during Christmas time, but all year long.

Hand sculpted of polymer clay, accented with silver foil leaf and glass bead accents, this set is a must for collectors!

Each figure stands approximately 11" high and is signed and dated by me.

Los Reyes Mago (The Three Kings)

There are many different theories and symbolism behind the three kings. One of which is that they were not kings but humble wise men skilled in astronomy. They were also referred to as the Magi, coming from the word Magician which had a much different connotation than it does today. Over time they evolved from humble wise men to kings. This may have been a way for the Church to symbolically illustrate the kings of men on earth recognizing and bowing down to Christ as king of all mankind.

There is no written record in the gospel of Matthew in the Bible, as to how many wise men there actually were, only a reference to the three different gifts they offered.

In Christianity, the number three is often used and is symbolic of the Holy Trinity.

In Three Kings lore, the number three also symbolizes the three races of mankind, European, Asian and African. They are also often depicted as an Arab, Asian, and African, and sometimes as three wise men from Persia.

The gifts they bore were also symbolic and of double meaning.

Melchior was from Arabia and was the smallest in stature. He brought gold as his offering. Gold is a symbol of kingship symbolizing virtue on earth and in heaven.
Balthazar was from the orient and brought frankincense as his offering. Frankincense was used as a perfume and was also a symbol of priest ship symbolizing prayer.

Gaspar, the third king, and traditionally the tallest of the Magi, was an African from Ethiopia. He was known as the “Master of the Treasure” and brought the gift of myrrh. Myrrh was commonly used as anointing oil in life, and embalming oil in death. It is a symbol celebrating life and also symbolizes death and suffering.

In Puerto Rico Los Reyes Mago are traditionally carved by santeros (saint carvers). This tradition came from the Jibaros (country folk) carving their own saints and religious figures for altars in their homes where they can worship because they were very far from the nearest town church. Santeros traditionally carve Los Reyes either standing or riding horses with Gaspar always placed in the center, a place of honor.

Added on Sep 16, 2009