Marvelous aren’t they? The Heilige Drei Könige. Their story weaves through centuries. Legend and faith intertwine. Their presence here in Düsseldorf is a testament to that enduring narrative.
The Heilige Drei Könige or Wise Men from the East. They are not explicitly named kings in the Bible. The Gospel of Matthew mentions Magi from the East following a star to Bethlehem. Their arrival is celebrated on Epiphany January 6th. It’s a day of remembrance across many Christian denominations. The Catholic Church however holds them as saints.
Now the names Caspar Melchior and Balthasar. These names emerged later. They appeared first in the 6th century. Before that the number of wise men varied. Some texts speak of twelve Persian kings. The three names and the three gifts Gold Frankincense and Myrrh. These became linked to the three known continents of the time. Africa Asia and Europe. Each wise man representing one. A symbolic representation of the entire world paying homage to the newborn Christ child.
The gifts themselves held deep symbolic meaning. Gold. A fitting gift for a king. Frankincense. For God. Myrrh. A healing plant. It foreshadowed Jesus’ role as healer and also his mortality. He would be buried with Myrrh.
The story of the relics is fascinating. They were believed to have been found by Saint Helena mother of Emperor Constantine. They journeyed across time and continents ending up in Cologne. In 1164 after the destruction of Milan. Emperor Barbarossa gifted them to his chancellor Rainald of Dassel. Rainald was also Archbishop of Cologne. They found a home in the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. Part of the relics eventually returned to Milan. This shows the enduring devotion to the Heilige Drei Könige. This devotion transcends borders and centuries.
Their story continues to resonate. It inspires artistic creations. It fuels the tradition of Sternsingen. Children dressed as kings. They go house to house collecting donations. They carry a star. They bless homes with C+M+B. Christus mansionem benedicat Christ bless this house. The Heilige Drei Könige. Their legend continues to inspire awe and wonder. Their story is a living testament to faith hope and the enduring power of belief.