Sashimi Doctor

Perfumed oils, balms and burning of incense was a very important part of religious ceremonies. Frankincense and Myrrh exuded gums from trees were widely used as scents. In Biblical days there were many different kinds of way’s and reasons where perfumed oils were used.

The skin as well as the hair was perfumed and anointed, especially on special occasions, the scented unguent was used with profusion.

Anointing an honored guest was a courtesy the most high performed. Among the directions listed for the service of the tabernacle are two prescribed recipes, possible Egyptian in form. One recipe prescribes 750 ounces of solids in six quarts of oil. It is possible that the oil was pressed off when the scent of the aromatic gums was absorbed. The liquid would then be used as anointing oil, while the solid residue provided an incense. The process of manufacture is not clear, and the account takes for granted that the work of the perfumer is commonly familiar to the reader. It is clear however, that the compound was based on the aromatic gum of Arabian plants indigenous especially in Arabia Felix in the south of the peninsula and that the medium or base was some form of fat or oil (probably calves’ fat and olive oil). In its later trade form perfume was some times packed in alabaster boxes or flasks. Such ointment was heavily scented and costly.

Two of the most well known times are the “Wise Men” giving a gift of Frankincense and Myrrh to baby Jesus at His birth. Also the story of Mary with her “Alabaster Jar” that was broken and the aromatic oil filled the whole room as the oil was poured over Jesus’ feet to anoint Him before His crucifixion, it was said of Mary who did this, that she would never be forgotten.

http://www.fragrantalabasterjar.com

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