Children celebrate Epiphany on January 6 and remember Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
The Magi came “from the east” bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Although the account does not mention the number of Magi, the three gifts has led to the widespread assumption that there were three. In Eastern Christianity, especially the Syriac churches, the Magi often number twelve.
The three Magi developed distinct characteristics in Christian art, represented the three ages of man, and three geographical and cultural areas. Caspar is old, normally with a white beard, and gives the gold. Melchior is middle aged, giving frankincense. Balthazar is a young man, and gives myrrh. Their ages were often given as 60, 40 and 20 respectively.
Mostly in northern Europe, beginning from the 12th century, Balthazar is increasingly dark skinned.
The Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna was erected by Theodoric the Great as his palace chapel. It was dedicated in 504 AD to “Christ the Redeemer”.
