The Riddle Of Jesus' Cologne: What's The Scent?

The riddle, What kind of cologne did Jesus wear? is a play on words, as Jesus is associated with the gifts of frankincense and myrrh, which are aromatic resins that could be considered similar to perfume or cologne. The riddle also hints at the biblical figure's association with scent and fragrance, as mentioned in the Gospel of John, where Jesus's disciples mention that a woman uses an ointment on him.

Jesus' clothing

The Bible does not provide a detailed description of Jesus' clothing, but there are some references in the Gospels that give us an idea of what he might have worn.

Jesus' undergarment was described as "seamless" in John 19:23. He may have also worn the "fringes" or "tassels" on his outer garment, as Jews were instructed to do according to Mosaic law (Numbers 15:37-38). However, Jesus criticised the Pharisees for wearing extra-long tassels to be seen by others (Matthew 23:5), so it is unlikely that he wore such extravagant tassels himself.

Jesus likely wore sandals, as implied in multiple Biblical passages (e.g., Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:7, 6:9; John 1:27). He also wore a tunic (chitōn), which for men typically finished slightly below the knees rather than at the ankles. His tunic was also likely made of one piece of cloth, which was unusual for adult men at the time (John 19:23-24).

Overall, Jesus' clothing would have been typical of a regular Jew in his time and place. There was nothing particularly special or pretentious about what he wore.

Frankincense and myrrh

Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is valued primarily for its pleasant fragrance and has been used in perfumes and incense for thousands of years. It has a sweet, earthy, and woody aroma. In modern times, frankincense is also used in essential oils and aromatherapy, with claimed health benefits such as reducing acne, anxiety, colds, ulcers, coughs, and indigestion. While many of these claims lack strong scientific evidence, frankincense has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial for certain inflammatory conditions.

Myrrh, like frankincense, is commonly used in perfumes, incense, and religious ceremonies. It has a long history of medicinal use, including in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Myrrh is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is found in many modern mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes. Additionally, myrrh has been studied for its potential anticancer effects, with some research suggesting that compounds derived from myrrh may inhibit the growth and migration of certain cancer cells.

The most common use for frankincense and myrrh, both historically and in the present, is as incense. They are also used in essential oils, natural medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, and flavourings.

Scents and perfumes in Jesus' time

Scents and perfumes were prevalent in Jesus' time, and they played a significant role in various aspects of life, from religious rituals to personal grooming. Here is some information on the types of scents and perfumes that were used during that period:

Oils and Perfumes:

The use of oils and perfumes was common in biblical times, and these substances were often mentioned in the Bible. Oils were typically used as a base for perfumes, and in many cases, they were the sole ingredient. Frankincense and myrrh, two of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi, were highly valued and had a range of uses. Frankincense was burned as incense in religious rituals and was considered sacred, while myrrh was used in embalming and burial rites. Both frankincense and myrrh were also used to create perfumes and fragrant oils.

Other substances mentioned in the Bible that were used for their scent include cinnamon, cassia, galbanum, onycha, oudh, spikenard, and benzoin. These aromatic substances were often combined with oils or other ingredients to create perfumes and incense. Spikenard, for example, was used to anoint Jesus before his crucifixion, as mentioned in the Book of Mark.

Aromatic Plants and Spices:

The ingredients for perfumes and scented oils were often derived from locally sourced aromatic plants and spices. In the case of the perfumes crafted in Jerusalem, the ingredients were sourced from the fertile lands of Israel, where the climate and soil conditions were ideal for growing fragrant plants. These included flowers, spices, and essences that were combined to create unique and spiritual fragrances.

Health and Cosmetic Purposes:

In addition to their use in religious rituals, perfumes and scented oils also served health and cosmetic purposes. For example, olive oil was used for anointing the sick and protecting the skin in the hot, dry climate. Aromatic oils were often added to olive oil to enhance its scent and provide additional health benefits.

Social Gatherings:

In ancient times, when bathing was not always accessible, fragrances were particularly important during social gatherings, feasts, and weddings. They helped to mask body odours and create a pleasant atmosphere.

Jesus' sandals

Jesus sandals are inspired by the shoes worn 2,000 years ago during the time of Jesus, but with a more modern look. They are typically made from leather and rubber and are designed to be comfortable and stylish.

There are many varieties of Jesus sandals available for both men and women. Some have adjustable backstraps, making them convertible between a heel strap and a slide. They come in a variety of colours, including black, brown, grey, red, white, purple, gold, and blue.

Jesus sandals can be purchased from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Nomadic State of Mind, and My Jerusalem Store. Prices range from $26 to $97.

Jesus' appearance

The Bible does not provide a physical description of Jesus, and there are no historical records that describe his appearance. However, based on the cultural and historical context, as well as interpretations of biblical passages, some details about his appearance have been speculated.

Jesus, being a Jew, likely had an appearance similar to the average Judean of his time. This would suggest that he had brown or black hair, honey/olive-brown skin, and brown eyes. He was probably around 5 feet 5 inches in height, with a lean build. He likely had short hair and a beard, following Jewish practices and the style of philosophers at the time. His lifestyle as an artisan-craftsman and exposure to the elements may have contributed to a lean and tanned appearance.

Some early Christian images of Jesus can be categorised into two types: the youthful, long-haired Jesus, and the older, bearded Christ. The change from the youthful to the bearded depiction may be related to the protection of Christianity by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, which allowed for the display of precious relics associated with Jesus.

The only existing physical description of Jesus comes from a letter allegedly written by the Roman consul Lentulus to Emperor Tiberius. However, the authenticity of this letter is debated among scholars. According to the letter, Jesus had a "noble and lively face", fair and slightly wavy hair, black and strongly curved eyebrows, intense blue eyes, and a tanned complexion. The letter also mentions his long hair and almost blonde beard.

In terms of clothing, Jesus likely wore typical Jewish garments of that time, including a mantle or large shawl with tassels, sandals, and a tunic that finished slightly below the knees. His tunic was made of a single piece of cloth, which was unusual for adult men at the time.

While the Bible does not mention Jesus's use of cologne or perfume, it is likely that he, like others in his time, used some form of scent or fragrance.

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