The Magi or “Three Kings”: Fact or Fiction in the Traditional Western Narrative?
For many, myself included, especially those raised in Christian households, the typical Three Kings Day (January 6) scene is well known: the baby Jesus in the manger, receiving gifts from the kings, with shepherds and sheep nearby. However, later, through my studies in theology and anthropology, I began to wonder whether this popular image matched historical and biblical records. Surprisingly or perhaps predictably, there were omissions and additions, such as the lack of any mention of the three kings and naming them as Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. My review presents the findings, distinguishing between the direct textual descriptions in the Bible, historical assumptions, and later traditions concerning these "wise men." I aim to make this content as objective as possible by using original texts and reference books, which I included with numbered APA citations. A Brief Overview In Western Christian tradition, the 'Three Kings' are usually shown arriving at the s...
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