An attempt to subject to scientific analysis such an anciently known christian symbol, How Star of Bethlehem, may seem somewhat discourteous to some. However, a quiet debate among astronomers about what it could be has been going on for many decades.
Could the star that prompted the three “wise men from the East” to go in search of the newborn King be a real astronomical phenomenon? Such debates require one serious assumption - that the story of the star and the journey of the Magi is genuine.
Professor David Hughes, an astronomer at the University of Sheffield, first published a review of theories to explain the "magi star" back in the 1970s. He spent the following decades studying astronomical explanations for this phenomenon, as well as the biblical stories associated with it, so now Hughes is a recognized expert in this field. But there are some intriguing historical parallels here. The three kings who came to worship the baby Jesus were themselves scientists of their time, experts in the occult sciences, known as "magi" or magicians - revered in Babylon astronomers and astrologers. They studied the stars and planets, interpreting the meaning of certain cosmic events.
Planet merger
Any unusual phenomenon that occurred in the sky was perceived as a sign. Therefore, the Star of Bethlehem must have been both very rare and visually impressive. As Hughes says, she had to send the Magi a very clear signal that would not raise doubts about interpretation.
All this led the astronomer to the conclusion that the Star of Bethlehem was probably not a star at all, and that it was most likely more than a one-time astronomical event. "If you read the Bible carefully, you will find that the Magi saw something , while in their country [probably Babylon], says Professor Hughes. “They went to Jerusalem, where they had a conversation with King Herod.” According to the gospel story, the wise men told Herod about the sign they had seen. Then, leaving Jerusalem, the astronomer says, they again saw something unusual, which made them very happy. The best explanation for this, according to Hughes, is the so-called triple conjunction of the planets - when Jupiter and Saturn line up with the Earth. Moreover, this had to happen three times over a short period of time. “This happens when the Sun, Earth, Jupiter and Saturn are located on the same line,” explains Hughes.
According to some researchers, a series of three such "planet parades" that occurred within one year fits well with the Gospel story of the Nativity and the worship of the Magi. Tim O'Bryan, assistant director of the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, says that it must have been quite a spectacular sight. "It's incredible how eye-catching it is when two fairly bright objects come together in the sky," he says. "Once the planets line up in their orbits, the Earth starts to sort of " "overtake" them, which is why it seems as if Jupiter and Saturn are changing the direction of their movement in the night sky, explains O'Bryan. According to him, people in those days attached great importance to the movement of the planets. the fact is that the planetary merger probably took place in the constellation Pisces - that is, in one of the signs of the Zodiac. “A planetary conjunction like this occurs only once every 900 years or so,” O’Bryan emphasizes. “So for the astronomers of Babylon 2,000 years ago, this must have been a signal of something extremely important.”
tailed star
Often, comets seem to *hover* or *stop* above the horizon. A second possible explanation for the Star of Bethlehem could be the appearance of a very bright comet. Despite the fact that from Earth, comets look extremely impressive and beautiful celestial bodies, in fact, they are “big, dirty lumps of snow” flying through outer space. “As they approach the Sun, the ice begins to melt - the solar wind carries this substance into space, creating a “tail” of cometary material,” says O'Brien .According to Professor Hughes, the tail pointing away from the Sun is one of the factors that makes the comet version so popular. "Quite a decent number of people said that comets seem to "stop" above the Earth due to the cloud of cometary material surrounding them gas and a tail, which sometimes looks like an arrow,” says Hughes. The closest thing to the time of the Gospel events is a fairly bright comet that appeared in the constellation Capricorn in 5 BC, which was described by Chinese astronomers. Less likely, but more a famous candidate is Halley's Comet, which was visible from Earth around 12 BC.
Those who favor the "fifth year" version point out that the comet, to an observer in Jerusalem, would have been in the southern sky (that is, in the direction of Bethlehem), with its head very low above the horizon and its tail pointing vertically up. "So many people love the idea of a comet, so it's a common sight on Christmas cards," says Hughes. "The catch is that comets are not uncommon at all. In addition, their appearance has been strongly associated with future disasters - plague, famine , massive loss of life and other misfortunes,” says the astronomy professor. “So if the comet carried some news, it could only be a bad omen.” Another theory suggests that the attention of the Magi could have been attracted by the birth of a new star.
"Good candidate"
A number of astronomers believe that a new star could have shown the way to the Magi. There are records - again, made by astrologers on Far East- about a new star that lit up in the small constellation Aquila in the northern part of the sky in 4 BC. Hughes says: “Those who advocate this version argue that this new star must have been located exactly above Jerusalem.” According to Dr. Robert Cockroft, manager of the planetarium at McMaster University in Ontario, the nova is a "good candidate" for the Star of Bethlehem. "It may start as a nova in a constellation and fade back out a few months later," he explains. "It's not too bright, so explains the lack of records of it in the Western world." According to Cockroft, the flash of this star could serve as one of the instructions for the Magi making their journey.
While other "signs" were needed to entice the Magi to travel west towards Jerusalem, he says, "at least several months would have passed before they could get there." By this time The constellation Eagle (along with the new star) could be in the southern part of the sky. Bethlehem lies clearly south of Jerusalem, so the Magi could “follow” this star, heading to Bethlehem. last years, says Hughes, other, unlikely, but fascinating explanations have been proposed. One of these, especially far-fetched hypotheses, according to him, was proposed in 1979 by the Greek astronomer George Banos. He suggested that the Christmas star might actually be the planet Uranus. Banos believes that the Magi discovered this planet 1,800 years earlier than astronomer William Herschel, who first described its discovery in 1781. "His idea was that the Magi discovered Uranus, that it became the Star of Bethlehem and that they then tried to hush up their discovery,” says Hughes.
WHO ARE THE "MAGI FROM THE EAST"
The Three Wise Men are believed to have been magicians - Persian astrologer sages. In the Western tradition they are also called kings and given names - Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Having bowed to the baby Jesus, they presented gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. In the Gospel their names and the royal rank are not mentioned, the tradition arose in the Middle Ages. The Orthodox Church does not consider the Magi to be kings, does not give their number and does not give them names. The Catholic Church honors the memory of the three kings on the feast of the Epiphany - in memory of the appearance of Christ to the pagans, the Magi from the East.
Adoration of the Magi. Botticelli
THE WORSHIP OF THE MAGI: A Biblical Story
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and said, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?” for we saw His star in the east and came to worship Him. Hearing this, King Herod became alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. [...]Then Herod, secretly calling the wise men, found out from them the time of the appearance of the star and, sending them to Bethlehem, said: go, carefully investigate the Child and, when you find it, notify me, so that I too can go to worship Him. They, After listening to the king, they went. And behold, the star that they saw in the east walked before them, [when] it finally came and stood over [the place] where the Child was. Seeing the star, they rejoiced with great joy, and, entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary, His Mother, and, falling down, they worshiped Him; and, having opened their treasures, they brought Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. And, having received a revelation in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their country by a different route.
Gospel of Matthew, ch. 2
Parade of the Three Kings
In Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, the veneration of the "Three Kings" is an important part of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. They are believed to be three sorcerers (Los Reyes Magos), whose task is to bring gifts to all children on the day of Epiphany (January 6). According to tradition, children send their requests to the Magi in advance for the gifts they would like to receive. Children are also told that those who do not obey receive only ash and coals from the Magi. Edible sweet “coals” are sold in stores everywhere. At night, people put their shoes in front of the door, and in the morning they find gifts under them. According to tradition, food and drink must also be left for the Magi and their camels. On the evening of January 5, parades are held in all Spanish cities in honor of the Three Magi. They usually sit on camels and throw sweets into the crowd during the procession.
It has its own symbols. The eight-pointed star is one of them. Each of the symbols characterizes Orthodoxy in a certain way. Probably everyone has thought at least once about what it means in religion and beyond. After all, it was found in the culture of many peoples in different eras. Surely its meaning is diverse. To understand all this, you need to trace its appearance in the history of mankind and in the symbolism of Orthodox Christianity.
Star with eight rays
In Christianity, this is the Star of Bethlehem or the symbol of Poe Holy Scripture it lit up in the sky when the Messiah was born. Its eight rays were brighter than other stars. Seeing them, the ancient sages (magi) remembered the prophecies and realized that the long-awaited Savior had been born. They hastened to the east to worship the Son of God. The star of Bethlehem showed the elders the way, moving ahead until it stopped over the place where Jesus was born.
In the Cave of the Nativity there is the Star of Bethlehem. How many rays there are on it is known for certain. The place where Jesus was born is indicated by a silver star with fourteen rays. This number is not random. It symbolizes stops at Way of the Cross Jesus in Jerusalem.
Star of Bethlehem. History of origin
Today at Orthodox churches There is an eight-pointed star, the meaning of which can be understood by referring to the history of its appearance.
But initially the Star of Bethlehem had five rays, according to the number of wounds of Jesus Christ. It also symbolized health: the number of fingers, sensory organs. But its main meaning was in the human nature of Christ.
During the Renaissance, the star was associated with the occult. And inverted, it became a symbol of Satan. But Christians considered this option a sign of the rebirth of Christ. And even canonized by the church, Constantine had a seal with an inverted five-pointed star. It was he who made Christianity the state religion.
For Russia, the symbol in the form of a star with five rays is historically alien. It is more commonly associated with Judaism and Freemasonry. Although during the years of Soviet power it was the star with five rays that was chosen as the state symbol.
Eight-pointed star in Orthodoxy. Prerequisites for the appearance
The five-pointed Star of Bethlehem was replaced by a six-pointed one around the fifteenth century. In general, this symbol arose at the beginning of the Neolithic period. It meant the six cardinal directions. Everyone knows that there are four of them, but, for example, the inhabitants of Ancient India, seeing a symbol with so many rays, understood its meaning as “six sides of the horizon.”
Then, in some period, in Russia there was a seven-pointed star of Bethlehem. Once upon a time, magicians wore the same symbol as a distinctive sign, but with a planet indicated next to each ray.
The meaning of an eight-pointed star in Rus'
And finally, an eight-pointed star appeared - a symbol known in Rus' since ancient times. Long before the twentieth century, the inhabitants Ancient Rus', back in pagan times, it meant the presence of the main deity. The image of such a star was placed on military banners, clothing and on various items life and worship.
IN Orthodox Rus' the eight-pointed star was no less important. After all, it lit up in the sky at the moment of the Birth of our Savior and led the Magi to the place where Jesus was born.
Eight-pointed star in iconography
Today this sign is present in all Orthodox churches, symbolizing Russia. A star with eight rays can be found on all Russian icons Mother of God, patroness of our Fatherland. Here in Russia they say about this symbol: the star of the Virgin Mary, Russian, and also the star of Bethlehem.
As mentioned above, on the icons Holy Virgin Mary is depicted with an eight-pointed star, the meaning of which is very important in Orthodoxy. This is understandable only from one fact that the symbol is located on the shoulders and head of the Virgin Mary. On the icon " Burning bush"And the image of the Mother of God is inscribed in the octogram (this is also the name of the symbol with two squares superimposed on each other, forming an eight-pointed symbol). The star is closely connected with the Mother of God, her secret.
If we recall the meaning of the symbol with eight rays, then according to tradition it was understood as eternity, unshakable stability and transcendence of this world. Also, the octogram is a sign of Paradise, Heavenly Jerusalem and the final Transfiguration.
The meaning of the star among different peoples
An eight-pointed star is a symbol of balance, order, and creation when inscribed in a circle. This is how in ancient times they designated the calendar and the seasons (everything material changes, but the main thing remains unchanged).
The eight-pointed star is found in the cult of Latvians and Udmurts. In the form of a double cross or with forked ends, it can be seen in folk ornaments among the Finns and Karelians, as well as among northern peoples(for example, Finno-Ugric). Here it means guidance and rebirth, and is a symbol of light and glory.
In addition, a star with eight rays can be found in Karelia, Likhoslavl and its region (whose residents are also Karelians), Colombia, and Peru. The flags of Great Britain and the Philippines also display octal symbols.
An eight-pointed star, the meaning of which among the Egyptians was identical divine sign, is also found among the Sumerians. In their language, this symbol was used to denote a word that translates as “god, star, sky.”
It is believed that the eight-pointed sign symbolizes seven periods in the history of mankind, and the eighth ray symbolizes the life of the next century. That is, the time when the kingdom of God will come.
Star in Christian traditions
The eight-pointed one has always been the main one on the tops of holiday trees. It also served as decoration in houses and on the street. During Soviet times, the star was replaced with a five-pointed one.
Children were given the eight-pointed star of Bethlehem for prosperity and happiness.
As church tradition says, one of the apostles was the first to bring the news of Christian faith. Apparently, that's why in Tsarist Russia the highest award, shaped like an eight-pointed star, was called the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. Today it also has a high status, restored by presidential decree in 1998.
The Star of Bethlehem, no matter how many rays it has, is of great importance in the history of Christianity. The Magi, led by her, found out where the Savior was and told the world about his Birth. Today, this symbol, as always, is a guide for believers, reminding that the material and spiritual are interconnected. But if one passes without a trace, then the other is eternal and imperishable. As we strive to live in the kingdom of God, we must remember that in this world everyone can become a guiding star for someone by doing good deeds and thereby drawing closer to the Lord. Maybe that's exactly what it's all about true meaning symbol with eight rays. Peace and harmony to you!
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit!
In today's Gospel readings of the Royal Hours and Liturgy, we heard from the mouths of various evangelists the story of the birth of the Messiah.
To confirm that everything that happened two thousand years ago is true, the apostles draw on not only the words of eyewitnesses, but also temporary s e, geographical and even astronomical evidence.
Evangelist Luke writes that immediately before the birth of the Child, Joseph the Betrothed and Mary had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem because of the population census. The census, which took place by decree of Emperor Augustus, was the first during the reign of Quirinius in Syria (see: Luke 2: 2). The Romans respected the tribal customs of the conquered peoples, and therefore King Herod adapted the census to the traditions accepted in Judea. It is precisely this fact - the need for Joseph to arrive at the house of his forefather David during the census - that the Evangelist Luke points out (see: Luke 2:4).
There is nothing strange in the fact that outside the Gospels we know almost nothing about this first census in Judea. After all, all the manuscripts of antiquity have not reached us. In addition, if you believe Luke as a historian, there was a second census - after the death of Archelaus, the son of Herod. It was then that the rebel Judas the Galilean carried away quite a lot of people with him (see: Acts 5:37). The fact that Quirinius ruled Syria at that time is attested in historical chronicles.
Evangelist Matthew speaks of a certain star that led the Magi from the East. In the liturgical hymns of Christmas Eve, an unknown country in the east is associated with Persia, and the Magi learn the profession of astrologers.
Most likely, it was in Persia, as the successor to the great Babylonian Empire, that the traditions of the Jewish prophet Daniel about the extraordinary King - the Ruler of the world - were preserved. Daniel, the chief of the Babylonian sages, through various images predicted the gradual change of world empires: after the golden age of Babylon, the age of the Medes and the copper period of the reign of the Persians would come, and after that the iron kingdoms of the Greco-Romans with feet of clay.
By the time of the Nativity of Christ, Persian magicians could be convinced that Daniel’s prophecies were coming true. The era of Babylon, the Medes and the Persians had passed, and there was unrest among the Greeks and Romans. And, therefore, the age of the New King was about to come - the Anointed One, Who, according to the promise, was expected in “seventy weeks” after Cyrus’ decree on the restoration of Jerusalem (see: Dan. 9: 24).
It can also be assumed that the words of the seer Balaam: “A star rises from Jacob, and a rod rises from Israel” (Num. 24:17) - laid the foundation for the belief of Jews and Persians that the coming of the Messiah will be indicated by the appearance of an extraordinary star in the sky.
Seeing in the sky unusual star, Persian astrologers hastened to Jerusalem to worship the new King from Judea. At the same time, according to Matthew, the Magi observed the “star” twice. The first time they saw her “in the east” (Matthew 2: 1-2) was still in Persia, which can be understood as “at sunrise” or “at the rising of the sun.” And the second time - upon arrival in Bethlehem. The star led them straight to the house and “stopped” over the place where the Child and Mary were (see: Matt. 2: 9-11).
What the nature of the star was is a mystery. Among church researchers of ancient and modern times, there are different opinions about the nature of the heavenly body. Origen, and after him Rev. John Damascene admitted that it could be a comet. The image of Halley's Comet, in particular, is captured in Giotto's fresco "The Adoration of the Magi" in the Scrovegni Chapel (Italy). The ecclesiastical writer Tertullian and Emperor Manuel I Comnenos suggested that this was a conjunction of the planets. According to Johannes Kepler, for example, it could have been the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn with Mars in 6 BC. Saint John Chrysostom and Blessed Theophylact of Bulgaria believed that some angelic power appeared in the form of a star.
One way or another, judging by the Gospel, the star led the Magi to Jerusalem, and then disappeared for a while. After the high priests and scribes pointed to Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Leader of Israel and the wise men left King Herod, the star reappeared and accurately pointed the Persian magicians to the house of the Infant God and Mary.
In the debate among materialists about whether there really was first census under Quirinius and what the bright star was, you can lose the essence of the gospel message. For a believer, the main thing is that with the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, the good news of the birth of the Savior received its real existence.
Referring to historical facts of their time, the apostles wanted to emphasize that the Nativity of Christ was not fiction, but fact. The promises of the prophets were fulfilled.
In the land of Judah, in the city of David, the Savior Emmanuel, who is Christ the Lord, was born from a Virgin. But the One who accepted gifts from the Persian magicians, Who was supposed to shepherd Israel, was born not in the royal chambers, but in a simple stable. The Angel of the Lord pointed to this as a special sign: “the joy that will be to all people” will be found by the shepherds in the manger for the cattle (see: Luke 2:12).
Christ humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant (see Phil. 2:7). According to Saint Theophan, the Lord followed the path of humility and exhaustion. Conscious of Himself equal to God, He, “having stripped myself of the visible glory and majesty inherent in the Divinity and Him, as God, belonging... hid the glory of His Divinity.” “God by nature, having equality with the Father, having hidden his dignity, chose extreme humility” (Blessed Theodoret).
Belittling yourself, humility, cutting off your egoism is the path to heavenly glory that Christ offered us. Not in the imperial chambers, not in the pomp of earthly glory, He offered us great hope. He contrasted the glory and wealth of earthly kings with heavenly glory and treasure in heaven.
“I do not accept glory from men,” the Lord said about Himself. “How can you believe when you receive glory from one another, but do not seek the glory that is from the One God?” - He spoke about us (John 5: 41, 44). The Savior reproached the Pharisees not for observing the external rules of piety, but for the fact that they “loved the glory of men more than the glory of God” (John 12:43). The Pharisees did all their deeds for show; they loved greetings in public assemblies and for people to call them: teacher! teacher! (see: Matthew 23:7). Earthly glory blinded them. But among you, Christ said to his disciples, “let the greater one be your servant: for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23: 11-12). Self-deprecation, exhaustion, humility is the way reverend fathers who have humbled themselves in the image of the Teacher-Christ.
He who creates heaven and earth, establishes the laws of the Universe, upholds everything with the word of His power (see: Heb. 1: 3) placed Himself in a manger for cattle, so that, having become in everything like a man, he could show us the path of Divine humility and save the fallen Adam.
Surprised by this, we follow the Magi to Bethlehem with the star, marvel at the miracle with the shepherds and sing with the angels: “ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!"(Luke 2:14).
Cm.: Josephus Flavius. Jewish antiquities. 18:1.
Liturgical chants call Balaam “the astrologer”, and the Magi are called “disciples of Balaam”.
Origen: The star of Bethlehem "most likely belongs to that group of stars which appear from time to time and are called tailed stars, or comets... we read about comets that they appeared several times before happy events. If, with the rise of new empires and other important events on Earth, comets or other similar stars appeared, then why be surprised that the appearance of a star accompanied the birth of the Child, Who was to bring about a transformation in the human race?
Blessed Theophylact Bulgarian: “When you hear about a star, do not think that it was one of those visible to us: no, it was a divine and angelic power that appeared in the form of a star. Since the Magi were engaged in the science of the stars, the Lord led them with this familiar sign, just as Peter the fisherman, amazed by the multitude of fish, attracted them to Christ. And that the star had angelic power is evident from the fact that it shone brightly during the day, walked when the wise men walked, and shone when they did not walk; especially from the fact that it went from the north, where Persia is, to the south, where Jerusalem is: but the stars never go from north to south.”
The Star of Bethlehem is a mysterious celestial phenomenon, which, according to the Gospel of Matthew, was called a “star” by the Magi. Seeing this “star” in the east (more accurate translation: at sunrise) and deciding that the “king of the Jews” had been born, they came to Jerusalem to worship him. Not finding what they were looking for there, the Magi, on the advice of King Herod, went to Bethlehem of Judea, where their guiding star stopped over the place where they saw “the Child with Mary His Mother.” Since she marked the Nativity of Christ, it is more correct to call her the “star of Christmas.”
A significant attribute of the celebration of Christmas among Christians and the iconography of the “Nativity of Christ” and the “Adoration of the Magi.”
Biblical story
The story of the sign that announced the beginning new era in the history of mankind, many people know. This happened at the end of the 1st century BC. e. in the skies over the Middle East... Palestine, which at that time, and even now, was a boiling cauldron of passions, was under Roman rule, and the puppet ruler of Judea, the ambitious despot King Herod, barely retained power in his hands. The Jews, flatly refusing to accept the canons of Greco-Roman culture imposed by the king, predicted the coming of the Messiah, who would free them, and impatiently awaited the signs heralding his appearance.
This was the situation in Judea when, according to the Gospel, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, and certain mysterious wise men came to Jerusalem, American historians P. James and N. Thorpe say in the book “Ancient Mysteries.” Herod was frightened by their prophecy about the birth of a man who would become the new king.
Gathering a council of high priests and scholars, he ordered them to determine the birthplace of the Messiah, or “King of the Jews.” The Old Testament prophet Micah predicted that a new “Lord of Israel” would come from the small town of Bethlehem. Having learned about this, Herod talked with the wise wanderers about the star and sent them to Bethlehem to find the “new king” under the hypocritical pretext, as if he himself wanted to honor him.
The Magi came to Bethlehem and saw the star again: “And the star that they saw in the east walked before them, and finally came and stood over the place where the Child was.” Having presented gifts to Jesus, the Magi received a revelation in a dream - although common sense alone would have been enough - to “go to their country by another way”, without returning to Herod. When Herod realized that the Magi had tricked him, he was “very angry.” Having missed his chance to find a new Messiah, he ordered the execution of every child under the age of 2 in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. Meanwhile, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt with Jesus.
The story of the Magi and the Star of Bethlehem has become an integral part of Christmas folklore around the world. But is it true? This story can only be found in one of the 4 gospels, namely the Gospel of Matthew. With only one source of information, historians tend to be very cautious in their assessments. Leaving aside the more general debate about the authenticity of all the gospels, it can be said that the Gospel of Matthew is one of the earliest accounts of the life of Christ, and therefore most worthy of trust.
We have no reason to consider the sages who followed the Star of Bethlehem to be exclusively folklore characters. Moreover, their behavior fits perfectly into the overall picture of religious beliefs and political intrigues of those times.
Ancient historians described the Magi (in the Greek and Latin text Magi - magicians) as an aristocratic priestly caste in Ancient Persia, in many ways similar to the Brahmins in modern Indian society. The Magi were the heirs of the Chaldean sages from Ancient Babylon, whose deep knowledge of the sky led to the creation of astronomical science that was surprisingly perfect for that era. The Magi, who were the court astrologers of the Persian kings (550–323 BC), were feared and respected as sages and miracle workers everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Indus Valley.
Judea, which occupied a strategic position at the crossroads of trade routes between East and West, was of particular interest to both Parthia and Rome. In 39 BC. e. The victorious Parthian army sacked Jerusalem and expelled the ambitious young Herod from there. Re-enthroned three years later with the help of a large Roman army, Herod restored diplomatic ties with the Parthian Empire, which continued to jealously watch the gradual consolidation of Roman power in Syria and Palestine. An unstable balance developed, occasionally interrupted by border skirmishes. Each superpower tried to provoke a rebellion against the puppet rulers installed by its rival at the head of the border states.
In light of this situation, the story of the “three wise men” as presented by Matthew becomes more convincing, although it is filled with a slightly different meaning. The Magi could have been spies, or, to put it more mildly, intelligence diplomats for the Parthian Empire. Zoroastrianism, the monotheistic religion of the Magi, enjoyed a certain respect among Jews, so the Magi, unlike representatives of most other religions, could count on a fairly warm welcome in Judea.
Religious interpretation
The Church believes that the Star of Bethlehem was not necessarily a natural astronomical body, but rather miraculous phenomenon: Having fulfilled her purpose, she then disappeared from heaven, and when the wise men came to Jerusalem, she hid herself so that Herod could not see her, then returning again.
For believers, the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem was the fulfillment of the so-called. "star prophecy" of Balaam in the Old Testament Book of Numbers:
“I see Him, but now not yet; I see Him, but not close. A star rises out of Jacob, and a rod rises out of Israel, and smites the princes of Moab, and crushes all the sons of Seth.”
(Num. 24:17)
The worship of the Magi and their bringing of gifts also correlates with Isaiah’s prophecy about the pagans visiting Jerusalem:
“Many camels will cover you - dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; they will all come from Sheba, bring gold and incense and proclaim the glory of the Lord... And the sons of those who oppressed you will come to you in submission, and all who despised you will fall at your feet, and they will call you the city of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.”
The church fathers, particularly John of Damascus and Origen, agreed that it was probably a comet:
“It most likely belongs to that group of stars that appear from time to time and are called tailed stars or comets ... we read about comets that they appeared several times before lucky events. If, with the rise of new empires and other important events on Earth, comets or other similar stars appeared, then why be surprised that the appearance of a star accompanied the birth of a baby who was supposed to bring about a transformation in the human race?
– Origen
Tertullian and Manuel I Comnenos suggested that it was a planetary conjunction.
Saint John Chrysostom and Blessed Theophylact of Bulgaria believed that this divine rational power appeared in the form of a star:
“When you hear about a star, do not think that it was one of those visible to us: no, it was a divine and angelic power that appeared in the form of a star. Since the Magi were engaged in the science of the stars, the Lord led them with this familiar sign, just as Peter the fisherman, amazed by the multitude of fish, attracted them to Christ. And that the star had angelic power is evident from the fact that it shone brightly during the day, walked when the Magi walked, shone when they did not walk: especially from the fact that it walked from the north, where Persia is, to the south, where Jerusalem is: but the stars never move from north to south.”
– Theophylact of Bulgaria
What was it? Star of Bethlehem through the eyes of astronomers
Planet merger
Any unusual phenomenon that occurred in the sky was perceived as a sign. Therefore, the Star of Bethlehem must have been both very rare and visually impressive. As Hughes says, she had to send the Magi a very clear signal that would not raise doubts about interpretation.
All this led the astronomer to the conclusion that the Star of Bethlehem was probably not a star at all, and that it was most likely more than a one-time astronomical event.
“If you read the Bible carefully, you will find that the wise men saw something while they were in their own country [probably Babylon],” says Professor Hughes. “They went to Jerusalem, where they had a conversation with King Herod.”
According to the gospel story, the wise men told Herod about the sign they saw. Then, leaving Jerusalem, says the astronomer, they again saw something unusual, which made them very happy.
The best explanation for this, according to Hughes, is the so-called triple planetary conjunction - when Jupiter and Saturn line up with Earth. Moreover, this had to happen three times over a short period of time.
“This happens when the Sun, Earth, Jupiter and Saturn are on the same line,” explains Hughes.
According to some researchers, a series of three such “parades of the planets” that occurred within one year fits well with the Gospel story of Christmas and the worship of the Magi.
Tim O'Brien, assistant director of the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, says it must have been quite a spectacular sight. "It's incredible how eye-catching it is when two fairly bright objects come together in the sky," he says.
“Once the planets line up in their orbits, Earth begins to overtake them, causing Jupiter and Saturn to appear to change direction in the night sky,” O’Brien explains.
According to him, people in those days attached great importance to the movement of the planets. This phenomenon was made even more significant by the fact that the merger of the planets probably took place in the constellation of Pisces - that is, in one of the signs of the Zodiac.
“A planetary conjunction like this only happens once every 900 years or so,” O’Brien said. “So for the astronomers of Babylon 2,000 years ago, this must have been a signal of something extremely important.”
tailed star
The second possible explanation for the Star of Bethlehem could be the appearance of a very bright comet.
Although comets look like extremely impressive and beautiful celestial bodies from Earth, they are actually “big, dirty snowballs” hurtling through outer space.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and said, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?” for we saw His star in the east and came to worship Him. Hearing this, King Herod became alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. […]
Then Herod, secretly calling the wise men, found out from them the time of the appearance of the star and, sending them to Bethlehem, said: go, carefully investigate about the Child and, when you find it, notify me, so that I too can go and worship Him.
After listening to the king, they left. And behold, the star that they saw in the east walked before them, [as] at last it came and stood over [the place] where the Child was.
Seeing the star, they rejoiced with very great joy, and, entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary, His Mother, and, falling down, they worshiped Him; and having opened their treasures, they brought Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having received a revelation in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by a different route.
Gospel of Matthew, ch. 2
“As they approach the Sun, the ice begins to melt and the solar wind carries this substance into space, creating a tail of cometary material,” says O’Brien.
According to Professor Hughes, the tail pointing away from the sun is one of the factors that makes the comet version so popular.
“A fairly decent number of people have said that comets seem to ‘stop’ above the Earth because of the cloud of cometary gas surrounding them and the tail, which sometimes looks like an arrow,” says Hughes.
The closest thing to the time of the Gospel events is a fairly bright comet that appeared in the constellation Capricorn in 5 BC, which was described by Chinese astronomers. A less likely but more famous candidate is Halley's Comet, which was visible from Earth around 12 BC. Those who favor the "fifth year" version point out that the comet, to an observer from Jerusalem, would have been in the southern sky (that is, in the direction of Bethlehem), with its head very low above the horizon and its tail pointing vertically up.
"So many people love the idea of a comet, so it's a common sight on Christmas cards," says Hughes.
“The catch is that comet phenomena are not at all uncommon. In addition, their appearance was strongly associated with future disasters - plague, famine, mass deaths and other adversities, says the astronomy professor. “So if the comet had any message, it could only be a bad omen.” Another theory suggests that the Magi's attention may have been drawn to the birth of a new star.
"Good candidate"
There are records - again made by stargazers in the Far East - of a new star that lit up in the small constellation Aquila in the northern sky in 4 BC.
Hughes says: "Those who advocate this version argue that this new star must have been located directly above Jerusalem." According to Dr. Robert Cockcroft, manager of the planetarium at McMaster University in Ontario, the nova is a "good candidate" for the title of the Star of Bethlehem.
“It can appear as a nova in a constellation and fade away again a few months later,” he explains. “It is not very bright, which explains the lack of records of it in the Western world.” According to Cockroft, the flash of this star could serve as one of the instructions for the Magi making their journey.
While other “signs” were needed to motivate the Magi to travel west toward Jerusalem, he says, it would be at least several months before they could get there.
“By this time, the constellation Eagle (along with the new star) could have appeared in the southern part of the sky. Bethlehem lies directly south of Jerusalem, so the Magi could “follow” this star, heading to Bethlehem.” In recent years, Hughes says, other, unlikely but fascinating explanations have been proposed.
One of these hypotheses, especially strained, according to him, was proposed in 1979 by the Greek astronomer George Banos. He suggested that the Christmas star might actually be the planet Uranus.
Banos believes that the Magi discovered this planet 1,800 years earlier than astronomer William Herschel, who first described its discovery in 1781.
“His idea was that the Magi discovered Uranus, that it became the Star of Bethlehem, and that they then tried to cover up their discovery,” says Hughes.
Star in art and literature
Star of Bethlehem - indispensable attribute scenes of the “Adoration of the Magi” both in painting and in theatrical productions.
In religious mysteries, the display of the Star of Bethlehem was important: researchers indicate that the need to demonstrate its movement across the sky led to the invention of some theatrical mechanisms.
It is believed that Giotto used Halley's Comet (which passed over the Earth in 1301) as a model for the Star of Bethlehem in the Adoration of the Magi (Scrovegni Chapel, 1305). In this regard, the European Space Agency named "Giotto" a space probe designed to meet comets.
The Christmas festival of contemporary Christian music “Star of Bethlehem” is held in Moscow and other cities.
Arthur Clarke used the fact of the solution to the Star of Bethlehem in the future in the plot of the story “The Star”. In the story, a Jesuit priest, as a geophysicist, is part of an astrographic expedition that discovered the rich and beautiful heritage of a civilization that died as a result of a supernova explosion. According to the expedition, the priest-scientist calculates the exact time when the supernova was visible from Earth and its position above the horizon:
Until we examined the nebula in situ, it was impossible to say when the explosion occurred. Now, having processed astronomical data and information extracted from the rocks of the surviving planet, I can date the disaster with great accuracy. I know in what year the light of the gigantic auto-da-fé reached our Earth, I know how brightly this supernova, which flickers behind the stern of a ship picking up speed, once glowed in the earth’s sky. I know that at dawn it shone like a bright beacon over the eastern horizon. There can be no doubt; ancient riddle finally resolved. And yet, O Almighty, you had so many stars at your disposal! So was it necessary to set this particular people on fire only so that the symbol of its frailty would shine over Bethlehem?
conclusions
For Christians, the Nativity of the Savior, the coming of God to earth, is an obvious miracle. And the Star of Bethlehem is an accompanying phenomenon. What kind of by and large, the difference, what is its origin? If pagan Persian sages go to the small village of Bethlehem, located in the province of Judea, almost on the outskirts of the Roman Empire, to worship the Savior, then it was not the star that became the “driving force” for them. She just shows the way. The Magi are brought here by the miracle of the birth of God. This is precisely the main pathos of the gospel story about the star.
Therefore, whatever the nature of the Star of Bethlehem, it does not change the essence. Even if Johannes Kepler is right and the Persian sages observed a “parade of planets” or the birth of a new star, this does not contradict gospel history. And it does not contradict the logic of the eastern sages, who abandoned all their affairs and went to a distant country to meet Christ. The Magi walked not because they were led by a star, but because they were looking for God. Moreover, they were not embarrassed when they found Him not in the royal chambers. That is, first they believed God, and then they followed the star. This is probably why they found their Savior...
A star with eight points. This one shone in the sky when Jesus was born. The baby was born in Bethlehem. Therefore, the luminary that announced this was called Bethlehem. Seeing the new star, three wise men from distant lands realized that the savior of mankind had come to Earth, as the prophecy said.
There is also scientific point view of the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem. Some astrologers believe that the biblical plot is based on the so-called parade of planets. Earth, Saturn and Jupiter stood in one line. In scientific circles they note that the simple appearance of a new star in the sky could attract the attention of only astronomers. The luminary could not be viewed from all points. For the sages of Babylon to see the sign, it had to be much more noticeable than a standard star. This is exactly the effect, astronomers notice, that results from the superposition of two bright planets on top of each other.
What does the Star of Bethlehem mean?? The Star of Bethlehem is made of silver and painted on the floor of the cave where Jesus was born. The celestial body became a harbinger of his birth. A new star shone in the sky, and this was a symbol from the legends that said that the king of Israel would come and conquer the whole world.
Having seen the changes in the sky, the Magi - sages in a modern way - rushed to the place where the luminary was lit. Since then, the Star of Bethlehem has been a sign of God and a symbol of the Nativity of Christ.
It is usually depicted as octagonal. There is no division in meaning for men and women. Products in the shape of a luminary for both sexes are a recognition of their faith in Jesus and faith in the salvation of humanity, for which God sent his son to Earth.
However, most Christians try not to wear images of the star on their bodies. They refer to the 20th exodus of the Bible. The 4th verse from it reads: “You shall not make for yourself an idol or any image of anything that is in Heaven above; you shall not worship them, for I am your God, a jealous God.”
There is a group of scientists who are inclined to believe that the biblical symbol was a comet. Astronomers from China described a bright comet that appeared in the sky in the 5th year BC. This is exactly the time of biblical events.
Since the image of the Star of Bethlehem is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ, the eight-pointed symbol is used in the design of religious holidays. Decoration Star of Bethlehem put, for example, on the tops of Christmas trees. In Russia they changed the tradition and use a five-pointed star. She took root in Soviet time, when they did not recognize religion and everything connected with it. After the collapse of the USSR, the tradition of placing eight-pointed lights on New Year's trees returned. So, on the main Christmas tree of the country in the Kremlin it shines.
In Russia, the “Golden” award has even been approved. The distinction is awarded by the Academy of Literature. The biblical symbol is imprinted on the medal, made of gold. Another image on the award is an angel. One of the first to receive the “Golden” award was Alexey, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'.
The honorary award is not given to everyone. But many can get their gold star, because there are Star of Bethlehem jewelry. Typically, it is offered by Orthodox stores or departments in regular salons dedicated to religious symbols. You can easily find a star with eight points next to crosses and pendants in the form of icons. Precious pieces cost on average 2 thousand rubles if made of silver and 3-4 thousand if made of gold.
Jewelry manufacturers are also working on the Stars of Bethlehem. The Lilith online store offers an eight-pointed sign for 280 rubles. In the line “material” it is indicated – “jewelry alloy”. What exactly it includes is not specified. Judging by the cost, the symbol is clearly not made of precious metals. Nevertheless, Star of Bethlehem price has more spiritual than material. According to statistics, jewelry in the form of a biblical symbol is purchased by believers. For them history is more important sign than the materials from which it is made.
often designed not as a separate decoration, but as part of it. Thus, the biblical luminary is depicted in the central part of the crosses. This makes the products more complex, massive, and impressive. On the “Fair of Masters” portal, for example, they offer guests the “Star of Bethlehem” cross with lapis lazuli.
The Sofia online store sells necklaces where it is present Star of Bethlehem pendant. The image of the luminary made of 925 sterling silver is attached to a precious chain along with a jewelry angel, a bible, several icons and a cross. The decoration weighs about 8 grams and costs 6 thousand rubles.
The eight-pointed sign is present on almost all icons of the Mother of God. The Mother of God is considered the patroness of Rus'. In this regard, the Star of Bethlehem is usually called Russian.
Thousands of kilometers from Russia, in the cave of the Nativity of Christ, there is a well. According to legend, the Star of Bethlehem fell into it, notifying the world of the appearance of the savior of mankind. Believers claim that when you look deep into the well, you can see the flickering of the heavenly body lying at the bottom. The outer part of the well is decorated with silver. A star with eight points is made of precious metal around the hole. A temple was built above the cave itself. Millions of pilgrims strive to visit it every year.
In the name famous star called religious works and public organizations. In Russia there is a children's Orthodox camp “Star of Bethlehem”. Living in the camp, children not only relax, but also learn the basics of Christianity and become acquainted with the history of this religion.
Even one plant is named after the star. In the West, it accompanies Christmas celebrations. The scientific name of the flower is Poinsettia, but the representative of the flora is popularly called the Bethlehem luminary. The young leaves of the plant are purple, so at the ends of each shoot there is a bright clot. The leaves are arranged in such a way that they form a star, often with eight points. Poinsettia is unpretentious and is considered a home and decorative flower.
Another plant, Poultry Plant, also received the name of the biblical symbol. Its leaves have eight ends and resemble the Star of Bethlehem.
Dozens of artistic paintings are dedicated to the Star of Bethlehem, although not to a plant. One of the most famous is the painting by Frederic Leighton. The work of art is called “The Star of Bethlehem.”
