The Gifts of the Magi

Gold- The gold presented by Melchior is thought to be 30 gold coins minted by Thara and a Golden Apple once owned by Alexander the Great. Some claim that gold is a symbolic representation of the infant Christ's royalty.

Frankincense- A fragrant resin from the African tree, genus Boswellia, frankincense has been used in many cultures as a form of incense in religious services. Gaspar presented frankincense to symbolise the divinity and worship of Christ.

Myrrh- Myrrh has long been associated with death and the anointing of the bodies of the dead. Myrrh is a gum resin of genus Commiphora. It is said that Balthsar presented myrrh to Christ as a symbolic prophecy of his death.

fm Schott's Almanac