12 Month SPA Treatment!

Did you know that before Esther was presented to the King, she had a 12 month SPA treatment?

WOW! Ladies, just think about it, 12 MONTHS visiting the spa EVERY DAY! From my studies, here is what took place during the 12 months of spa treatments: 

Women soaked in tubs of olive oil, cassis oil, myrrh oil and honey to moisturize and heal the cracks and dry spots in their skin left by the harsh climate. Honey was used because it moisturized the skin as well as left a pleasant scent. Myrrh is believed to have anti-aging and hormone-like properties. It is reported to stimulate circulation, decrease inflammation, soothe inflamed skin, prevent wrinkles, heal fungal infections, heal mouth sores and alleviate stretch marks - with cracks in the skin, infection was something that could happen easily for the women in Esther’s time. Oils like the ones Esther bathed in to hydrate her skin were also used to cover wounds in the skin to promote healing and prevent infection. Because every young woman underwent a thorough oil exfoliation, skin disorders were noted and treated. The next six months were dedicated to spices and ointments for the women. In Esther 2:8-9 the text tells the reader that, because of the favor Esther had in the eyes of Hegai, she received extra cosmetics. After six months of basic skin health care, Hegai’s attendants incorporated oils, spices and fragrances to enhance (polish) each girl’s natural beauty.  The cosmetics of Egypt such as kohl for the eyes, henna for hair color, pomegranate juice for blush and lip stain figured in the finishing process. Kohl was like eyeliner, usually black or jewel tones, and made by mixing colored minerals and animal fats. Henna was used to condition the hair and the nails as well as darken their color. Henna is a temporary dye and was used, along with pomegranate juice, to stain the lips. Wow! Sign me up! Ha! Ha! Anyway, I thought you ladies would enjoy this, I know there are some “Spiritual” meanings we could take from this, but for now, lets just enjoy the thought of going to a SPA everyday for 12 months! 

Love you ladies, and make it a lemonade kind of day today, remember, the battles you face today may not be your choice, but the outcome IS!

Carla Cappetto