Katrina Rosales
Nard, also known as spikenard, is a class of aromatic amber-coloured essential oil derived from the Nardostachys jatamansi plant, which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India. It has been used for centuries as a perfume, incense, and in traditional medicine and religious ceremonies. In the Bible, Mary of Bethany is said to have anointed Jesus' feet with an ounce or about a pint of pure nard, which was worth approximately a year's wages. Given the high value and cost of nard, it is interesting to consider how big a pound of this perfume would be.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | Spikenard, nardin, muskroot, nardostachys jatamansi |
| Source | A flowering plant in the honeysuckle family |
| Plant origin | Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India |
| Uses | Perfume, traditional medicine, religious ceremonies, incense, Ayurvedic practices, food flavouring |
| Historical cost | 300 denarii, approximately $54,509 in U.S. dollars |
| Biblical reference | Mary of Bethany used a pint of pure nard perfume worth a year's wages to anoint Jesus' feet |
| Ancient Roman reference | Pliny's Natural History; Horace's Odes; Petronius' Cena Trimalchionis |
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Nard in the Bible
Nard, also called spikenard, is a class of aromatic amber-coloured essential oil derived from the Nardostachys jatamansi, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family. It grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India and has been used over centuries as a perfume, a traditional medicine, or in religious ceremonies across a wide territory from India to Europe. The name "nard" comes from the Latin "nardus", from the Ancient Greek "nardos", and from the Hebrew "nerd". The word may ultimately derive from the Sanskrit "nalada", meaning "Indian spikenard", or from Naarda, an ancient Assyrian city.
In the Bible, nard is mentioned in the Song of Solomon (1:12; 4:13-14) and in the gospels' accounts of women anointing Jesus (Mark 14:3; John 12:3). According to the Bible, Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus' feet with about "a pint" or "an ounce" of pure nard, wiping his feet with her hair, and filling the house with the fragrance of the perfume. This act has been interpreted as a symbol of Mary's love for Jesus, with the expensive nard representing the most valuable thing she owned, given as an act of worship.
The nard, or spikenard, mentioned in the Bible is believed to be a highly valued ointment prepared from the root of the Nardostachys jatamansi plant. It had a strong, distinctive aroma, similar to an essential oil, that clings to the skin and hair, giving off a heady perfume. It was also thought to have medicinal properties. In ancient cultures, nard symbolised the very best, much like a "Tiffany diamond" or the "gold standard" in modern times.
In addition to its use in anointing Jesus, nard is also associated with Mary Magdalene in the Bible. While some sources suggest that she anointed Jesus' feet with lavender or lavender spike, which may have been confused with nard in ancient times, others maintain that she used pure nard. The Aramaic translation of the Gospels, the Peshitta, describes Mary Magdalene's act as using "the best" on "the Best", indicating the high quality and value of the nard she used.
Nard has also been used in other cultural and religious contexts. In ancient Rome, it was used to flavour wine and was a main ingredient in a perfume called "unguentum nardinum". Pliny's "Natural History" lists several species of nardus used in perfume and spiced wine, including Indian nard, Syrian nard, and Celtic nard, each with its own unique aroma. Roman literature, such as Horace's Odes and Petronius' "Cena Trimalchionis", also makes references to nard, highlighting its popularity and significance in ancient Roman culture.
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Nard oil uses
Nard, also known as spikenard, is a class of aromatic amber-coloured essential oil. It is derived from the Nardostachys jatamansi, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family that grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India.
Nard oil has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes, including:
Perfume
Nard has been used as a perfume for centuries, with its sweet aroma making it a sought-after oil in ancient Rome, Greece, Egypt, and the early Roman Empire. It is also mentioned in the Bible, where Mary of Bethany anoints the feet of Jesus with pure nard, filling the house with its fragrance.
Medicine
Nard has been used in traditional medicine in India and Europe. It is said to have anti-inflammatory and infection-fighting properties and is also used to promote healthy skin and relaxation.
Religious Ceremonies
Due to its pleasant aroma, nard holds religious significance in Islam and Christianity and is used in religious ceremonies. In the Catholic Church, for example, the spikenard is used to represent Saint Joseph, and it is featured in the coat of arms of Pope Francis.
Incense and Aromatherapy
Nard is used as incense and in aromatherapy, where its woody, spicy scent is said to create a calming and uplifting atmosphere.
Food and Beverage Flavoring
In ancient Rome, nard was used to flavour wine and was a common ingredient in recipes.
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Types of nard
Spikenard, also known as nard, nardin, and muskroot, is a class of aromatic amber-coloured essential oil derived from the Nardostachys jatamansi plant, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family that grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India. The oil has been used for centuries as a perfume, a traditional medicine, and in religious ceremonies across a wide territory from India to Europe.
Over the years, nard has also been used to refer to essential oils derived from other species, including the closely related valerian genus and Spanish lavender. These cheaper, more common plants have been used in perfume-making and to adulterate true spikenard.
Pliny's Natural History lists several species of nardus used in making perfume and spiced wine:
- Indian nard — known for its smooth and watery scent, possibly due to its growth in the Gange basin.
- Syrian nard — derived its name from growing on the western slope of a mountain range, likely the Hindu Kush. It has a sweet aroma similar to nard from Cyprus.
- Stinking nard (ozaenitidos) — a variety that is not used.
- False nard (pseudo-nard) — used to adulterate true nard.
- Gallic nard — adulterated by the plant "hirculus", which grows in the same region.
- Cretan nard — also called "agrion" or "phun".
- Field nard — also known as "bacchar".
- Wild nard — also called "asaron", this variety grows in the mountains known by the Gauls.
- Celtic nard — a sweet and suave scent, possibly synonymous with the species "hirculus".
In ancient Rome, nardus was used to flavour wine and was a common ingredient in the recipes of Apicius. During the early Roman Empire, it was the main ingredient in a perfume called unguentum nardinum.
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Cost of nard
Nard, also known as spikenard, is a class of aromatic amber-coloured essential oil derived from the Nardostachys jatamansi plant, which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India. It has been used for centuries as a perfume, traditional medicine, or in religious ceremonies across a wide territory from India to Europe.
The cost of nard has historically been high due to its time-consuming extraction process and rapid deterioration. In the Bible, the woman who anoints Jesus' head and feet with nard is said to have used an amount worth about a year's wages, or 300 denarii, which is approximately $54,509 in U.S. dollars. This amount is also described as her life savings, indicating a high cost.
Today, the price of nard oil varies depending on the seller and the quantity purchased. On Amazon.com, for example, prices range from $7.99 for 0.25 fluid ounces to $127.72 for 1.69 fluid ounces.
The value of nard is not only monetary but also symbolic. In the Biblical story, the woman's act of anointing Jesus with expensive nard signifies her devotion, love, and worship. The fragrance filling the house after she pours the nard on Jesus' feet also holds symbolic importance.
In addition to its use in Biblical times and for religious ceremonies, nard has been used historically in Ayurvedic practices, to flavour wine, and as a perfume during the early Roman Empire.
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Religious significance
Nard, also known as spikenard, nardin, and muskroot, is a class of aromatic amber-coloured essential oil derived from the Nardostachys jatamansi plant, which is native to the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India. The oil has been used for centuries as a perfume, a traditional medicine, and in religious ceremonies across a wide territory from India to Europe.
Nard oil holds significant religious importance in Christianity, where it is often used in rituals and ceremonies as a symbol of devotion, humility, and repentance. It is also used to anoint the sick, symbolizing healing and protection.
In the Bible, Mary of Bethany, also known as Mary Magdalene, anointed the feet of Jesus with pure nard oil, wiping them with her hair. This act, described as an extravagant gift, symbolized her love, devotion, and worship of Jesus. The Bible describes the house being filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
The choice of nard oil by Mary Magdalene holds symbolic significance. In ancient times, nard oil was considered expensive and precious. Mary's use of this valuable substance on Jesus' feet, an act of humility, may symbolize the offering of her best to her Lord.
Additionally, the breaking of the alabaster jar containing the nard oil may represent a complete surrender or an act of worship. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the jar may have been Mary's dowry or inheritance, making the nard oil her most valuable possession.
The Gospel of St. Mark and the Peshitta, an Aramaic translation of the Gospels, further emphasize the symbolic nature of the act. In these texts, the word "reeshaya" is used, conveying the idea of "the best." Thus, Mary's act can be interpreted as pouring the best on the Best, signifying Jesus' significance.
Furthermore, the use of nard oil by Mary Magdalene may also be linked to the prophetic symbolism of lavender. While some translations refer to the substance used as pure nard, others suggest it was lavender. Lavender, in ancient times, was believed to symbolize death. Thus, anointing Jesus' feet with lavender could be interpreted as a prophetic gesture, foreshadowing Jesus' upcoming death and burial.
In the Iberian iconographic tradition of the Catholic Church, spikenard is used to represent Saint Joseph. Additionally, the Vatican has stated that the coat of arms of Pope Francis includes spikenard in reference to Saint Joseph.
Nard oil, with its sweet aroma and religious significance, has been an integral part of Christian rituals and symbolism, playing a role in expressing devotion, humility, and prophetic gestures.
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Frequently asked questions
Nard, also known as spikenard, nardin, and muskroot, is a class of aromatic amber-colored essential oil derived from the Nardostachys jatamansi plant, which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India.
In the Bible, Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus' feet with about "a pint" or "an ounce" of pure nard, which was worth about a year's wages.
The cost of nard varies depending on the type and quality, but it is generally expensive. Pure nard can cost upwards of $50,000.
Nard perfume can be purchased from specialty stores and online retailers.
