David

The supposed remains of all three of the Kings / Magi / wise men are the most treasured relics in Cologne Cathedral. The relics themselves are in a massive gold chest, studded with precious gems, all behind stout iron bat the back of the main altar.

The cathedral treasury has more rich ornamentation with depictions of the adoration.

Epiphany, assigned as the date of the visit of the supposed Three Kings (or the Magi) to the baby Jesus. Referenced in this year’s Christmas decorations of a Shrewsbury herbalist.

Presumably they didn’t want to find any herb with “gold” in the name. Around the time of the switch from BC to AD, cinnamon was an extreme luxury spice, perhaps getting on for literally worth its weight in gold.

Elaborate low relief carvings in the rich wood panelling of the great hall in the medieval Guildhall, Coventry.

Squirrel contemplating a Christmas tree, weathervane. This was on the cathedral / imperial chapel at Aachen.

Morris and Co., Shrewsbury, with a distinctive and striking set of Christmas decoration for their building by the Severn at Welsh Bridge. Some of the night-time shots were taken with a camera phone, and don’t do the bears justice.

Misericord, lion with face rather defaced. Now on display at the Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry.