Frankincense is an aromatic resin that oozes from the cut bark of the Boswllia Tree. As it dribbles down the tree, it hardens into little yellowish-white beads which, when burned or placed on charcoal gives off a lovely, citrusy aroma.
Because boswillia trees grow were primarily in Arabia, its gum-resin was quite costly to import – thus perhaps adding to its importance as a “religious ingredient” in perfumes, anointing oils, and incense. Frankincense was also one of the three gifts brought to the Christ Child by the Magi and has been interpreted as a prophetic symbol of Jesus’ priesthood.
