Civilizations have used cosmetics for centuries in religious rituals, to enhance beauty and to promote good health. Cosmetic usage throughout history can be indicative of a civilization’s practical concerns, such as protection from the sun, indication of class, or conventions of beauty. However, in the Holy Land, oils and anointment also have a spiritual context.

“Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows.”  (Hebrews 1:9)

The Bible makes use of the term “anointment” in connection to a spiritual anointment, where the intention of anointing is to set a person, place, or object apart for divine use. It is meant to empower people to accomplish God’s work, for protection, or to describe the Messiah’s deliverance.

“So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it.” (Genesis 28:18)

The Greek meaning of “anoint” is made up of two words: chrio which means “to smear or rub oil”, and aleipho, which means “to anoint.” In Hebrew, the term masah (the root of the word Messiah) also has secular connections, such as rubbing a shield with oil, smearing paint on a house, or anointing the body with oil. Therefore, the world of oils, perfumes and scented rituals using olive oil and the scented natural essences from the Galilee and Judea would have been an integral part of the life of Jesus.

“You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” (Luke 7:46-49)

Perfumes and oils were also widely used in the Roman world for many purposes varying from adding a twist to the taste of wine to helping to make public bathhouses a more pleasant environment to pass the time in. Common perfume ingredients included the use of cinnamon, date palm, quince, basil, wormwood, and all manner of flowers from iris to roses.

We are proud to include the natural world of Galilee in our Secret Galilee Gallery Gift Parcel in the form of Natural Cosmetics. Aiming to use only natural products on our skin and with respect and love for our natural environment – these natural cosmetics are a true gem of Galilee.