Caspar (magus) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Caspar (The Moor) |
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Caspar being handed a covered beaker - from The Adoration of the Magi (Geertgen tot Sint Jans)
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| Three Magi, Three Kings, Three Wise Men | |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Anglican Communion Lutheran Church |
| Canonized | Pre-Congregation |
| Major shrine | Shrine of the Three Kings, Cologne Cathedral |
| Feast | 6 January (Epiphany) 11 January (Date of his Death) |
| Attributes | King bearing gifts, king on a camel, three crowns |
| Patronage | Epilepsy, thunder, motorists, pilgrims, playing card manufacturers, sawmen, sawyers, travellers, travelling merchants, Cologne, Germany, Saxony |
Saint Caspar, also known as Casper or Gaspar, was one of the famous "Three Kings" or "Three Wise Men." He is often mentioned with Melchior and Balthazar. These wise men, called the "Biblical Magi", are talked about in the Bible's Book of Matthew.
The Bible doesn't say much about them. But since the 600s, people in Western Christianity have called them Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. The Catholic Church considers Caspar and the other two Magi to be saints.
Contents
What Does the Name Caspar Mean?
The name Caspar or Casper comes from "Gaspar." This name comes from an old word, "Gizbar." This word means "treasurer" in the ancient Chaldean language.
You can find the word "Gizbar" in the Hebrew version of the Old Testament's Book of Ezra. Even today, the modern Hebrew word for "treasurer" is "Gizbar."
Where Was Caspar From?
The Bible does not say where the Magi were from. People believe they were astrologers. These are people who study the stars. They might have used the stars to predict the birth of a "Messiah" (a savior).
Caspar is often thought to be an Indian scholar. An old encyclopedia from 1913 says that Western Christian tradition believes:
Some people think Caspar was King Gondophares. He ruled from about 21 AD to 47 AD. Others believe he came from southern India. This is where Thomas the Apostle visited many years later.
There is a town in India called Piravom in Kerala State. This town has long said that one of the Magi came from there. The name Piravom means "birth" in the local language. People believe this name refers to the Nativity of Jesus (the birth of Jesus).
Some old maps also show Caspar's kingdom in a place called Egrisilla. This area was in "Upper India" on a peninsula near the Gulf of Thailand. One map from 1448 even says, "here lived King Caspar" over the Golden Chersonese (which is the Malay Peninsula).
It is important to know that the Magi are not always thought of as kings. The idea of them being kings might come from a Bible verse in Psalms. It says, "The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents; the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring him gifts: and all the kings of the earth shall adore him." (Psalm 72:10).
Caspar's Gift to Baby Jesus
The Bible says the Magi brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts have special meanings:
- Gold showed that Jesus was a king.
- Frankincense showed that Jesus was divine (like God).
- Myrrh showed that Jesus was human.
Caspar is usually shown with a reddish beard. He is often seen standing behind Melchior. He is waiting to give his gift of frankincense to the baby Jesus. He is often shown taking his gift from an assistant. Or he might be taking off his crown, ready to be next to Jesus.
Caspar's Death
According to tradition, Saint Caspar became a martyr. This means he died for his beliefs. Some people believe the other two Magi also died this way.
The remains of the Magi were found in Persia by Saint Helena. They were later moved to Constantinople. Then they went to Milan, Italy. From there, they came to Germany. Today, they are kept in the Cologne Cathedral.
Caspar is remembered on the Feast of Epiphany. This is a holiday celebrated with the other Magi. In Catholicism, his special feast day is January 11.
It is said that after visiting Jesus, Caspar went back to his own country. He avoided King Herod. Tradition says Caspar celebrated Christmas with the other Magi in Armenia in 54 AD. Caspar died on January 11, 55 AD, when he was 109 years old.
How Caspar is Honored
In some churches, it is a tradition to bless chalk. Families then use this chalk to write the first initial of each of the three Magi over their doors. This is done as a blessing for protection.
See also
In Spanish: Rey Gaspar para niños
- Casper
