We Three Kings was written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr., in 1857. At the time of composing the carol, Hopkins served as the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It was the first Christmas carol originating from the United States to achieve widespread popularity.
The cover artwork was adapted from a 13th century parchment codex from Central England, originally dated before 1220. The scene depicts the Dream of the Magi and the visitation of an angel raising a finger to the star that hovers above. One is awakened by the sight, the other two slumber on.
Three has always been one of my favorite numbers. Even showing up in yoga: the third eye; the trimurti (Brahma, creator; Vishnu, preserver; Shiva, transformer); the three gunas (rajas, tamas, sattwa); the three dosha (vata, pitta, kapha); and the three major bhandas (mula, uddyiana, jalandara). This Holiday Season, I’m reminded of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and the Magi (Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar). And with the new year ahead, I’m also reminded of past, present, and future. Beginning, Middle, and End.
Modular synths sparkle amidst piano, vibes, and other organic instruments stringing together constellations of sound. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 22, 2023