Three kings and a new helper for the Haushamer year-round crib

Created: 01/12/2022, 05:48 PM

Last week, Walter Holzfurtner (left) and Severin Heigenhauser put the Three Wise Men in the Haushamer year-round crib.

© Hacker

Hausham - The Three Wise Men have arrived at Hausham Church.

And crib maker Walter Holzfurtner now has support.

The three wise men, referred to in the Gospel of Matthew as “magicians from the Orient”, were the second delegation after the shepherds to honor the baby Jesus in the manger.

On January 6th, the figures of Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar found their way into the crib of the parish church of St. Anton and complement the scenes of the search for a hostel and the birth of Jesus.

According to tradition, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar were guided by the Star of Bethlehem in order to offer the Child Jesus their symbolic gifts, gold for wealth, myrrh for being human and incense for divinity. There is no evidence of their actual existence, nor whether they were kings, astrologers or magicians. What is certain, however, is that the Three Kings are among the most popular figures in popular piety in Catholic and Orthodox countries.

They probably got their names in the 8th or 9th century and can be traced back to the three continents known at the time, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Persian roots are in Caspar, which is why he is usually depicted with dark skin color.

The other two names come from Hebrew, with Melchior mostly having European and Balthasar more Asian histories.

These fine nuances can of course also be recognized by the expressive Haushamer Holy Three Kings, which were traditionally carved in South Tyrol.

In general, when looking at the scenes in the Haushamer year-round crib, it is worthwhile to bring a little time with you and to let the figures and the explanations about them have an effect on you.

It is thanks to Walter Holzfurtner (74), who has been able to count on the support of Severin Heigenhauser for several months, that the three Magi stood in the manger on time for their memorial day on the feast of the Epiphany (Epiphany) on January 6th.

The 33-year-old software developer moved to Hausham a few years ago because of love.

The native of Chiemgauer said about his voluntary work: “I was fascinated by the crèche from day one and last year thought to myself, I'll just ask if I can help.” For Holzfurtner it was, in his opinion, almost something like A six in the lottery: "It was a great fit from the first moment and I'm happy that we can now continue doing this together and that the future of the crèche is secured.