Σμύρνα refers to myrrh, the fragrant gum resin from the Balsamodendron Myrrha tree native to Arabia and East Africa. In the ancient world, myrrh was treasured for multiple purposes: as perfume and anointing oil, as incense in worship, for embalming the dead, and as a gift worthy of kings. The Magi bring myrrh to the infant Jesus alongside gold and frankincense—gifts prophetically symbolizing kingship, divinity, and death. At Jesus' burial, Nicodemus brings an extravagant amount of myrrh mixed with aloes to prepare Jesus' body. Myrrh thus frames Jesus' earthly life, from birth to burial.