What is the meaning of the three gifts of the magi?

I love the Christmas carol “We Three Kings.” It may be my favorite.

I was curious, though, about the meaning of those three gifts. The song, of course, describes the meaning of each gift, but is it correct?

It turns out that there isn’t a real consensus. The song could certainly be right.

Here is what I learned about the meaning of the gifts of the wise men/magi:

“We Three Kings” Lyrics

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
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