![\"\"](\"https:\/\/masterparfums.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/myrrhe-arbre.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMyrrh comes from the bark of several species of trees belonging to the genus Commiphora, of the Burseraceae family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These trees are mainly cultivated in Africa, notably in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, as well as in the Middle East. The Commiphora species differ from one another in terms of shape, size, colour and the chemical composition of the resin they produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myrrh trees are woody plants that can reach up to 4 to 5 metres in height. They have compound leaves, which are often light green or silvery in colour, and flowers that can be white, pink or red. The fruits are capsules that contain seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The harvest of myrrh is done by making incisions in the bark of the tree, which allows the sap to flow out and solidify into an odorous resin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myrrh trees are often cultivated in semi-arid zones, where the environmental conditions are difficult, notably owing to the heat, the lack of water and the poverty of the soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myrrh is a precious, costly substance, which has been used since antiquity for its medicinal, cosmetic and fragrant properties. Owing to its rarity and its value, myrrh was considered a luxury product and was often given as a gift to leaders and dignitaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myrrh: Between History and Religion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Myrrh also carries a strong religious significance, notably in Christianity and in the funerary practices of antiquity. In the Bible, myrrh is mentioned several times, and it is often associated with royalty and divinity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the best-known passages is found in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, where it is said that the Magi offered myrrh<\/a>, as well as frankincense and gold, to Jesus at his birth. These gifts were represented as signs of the importance of Jesus and of his prophetic destiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This precious resin was also used in the funerary practices of antiquity, owing to its preservation properties and its pleasant, captivating scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Egyptians used it to embalm the bodies of the pharaohs and nobles, while the Hebrews used it to perfume garments and funeral sheets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, myrrh is still used in the religious rituals of certain cultures, notably in the Orthodox Church, where it is burned in the form of incense during religious services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n