Myrrh is one of the three gifts of the Magi in the story of the birth of Jesus. What exactly is Myrrh? It’s a cross between a tree and a bush and provides oil as well as resin. These are used for astringent and antiseptic purposes. The Egyptians used myrrh in mummification and the oil was also used to anoint priests. It is used for sore throats and mouth ulcers.
One interesting fact is that when myrrh is burned, it acts as a mosquito repellant. Us Floridians sure would appreciate that.Â
One of the myths of where myrrh came from is quite colorful. The goddess Myrrha was forced by Aphrodite to commit incest with her father. She escaped being murdered by her father after that when the gods turned her into a myrrh tree. The drops of gum resin that form on the tree are said to be the tears of Myrrha.
The tree is kind of cool looking but the actual myrrh by-product is kind of nasty looking. Judge for yourself.
Jillian Chantal 
Always an informative Friday, Jillian. Thanks!
By: danicaavet on December 16, 2011
at 8:04 am
Thanks Danica- I’m eagerly awaiting your offering for the day!
By: Jillian Chantal on December 16, 2011
at 8:45 am
I love the myth part. Great Friday fact. Thanks for sharing.
By: Darlene Henderson on December 16, 2011
at 8:19 am
Seems like a lot of women were turned into trees in mythology and usually running from a man.
By: Jillian Chantal on December 16, 2011
at 8:44 am
You’re right about the myrr looking ugly and the tree looking cool. 🙂 And we could use some of that repellant here. There can be one mosquito in 100 square miles and he will find ME to bite. lol
By: Laurie Ryan on December 16, 2011
at 10:48 am
I agree about mosquitos- they find me, too. It’s cause we’re so sweet! *snort*
By: Jillian Chantal on December 16, 2011
at 10:51 am
Hey, that tree sort of looks like the ‘Tree of LIfe’ from The Curse of Gremdon. 🙂 Yes, Florida mosquitoes are almost as vicious as the mutant palmetto bugs.
By: Ciara Knight on December 16, 2011
at 7:45 pm
Love that comparison and it does! Maybe the cover artist used a myrrh tree as inspiration. Yes, palmetto bugs- ugh.
By: Jillian Chantal on December 16, 2011
at 8:22 pm
I look forward to Fridays and this one is great.
By: Lavada Dee on December 16, 2011
at 10:25 pm
Thanks Lavada. Glad to know there is another reason to anticipate Friday. LOL. I always will it to come so I can enjoy the weekend.
By: Jillian Chantal on December 17, 2011
at 7:48 am