Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women (Esther 2:12, NKJV).
Before a girl’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics (Esther 2:12, NIV).
Why did the young women go through such a lengthy beauty preparation?
The scripture does not answer the question of why the long beauty process, but it stresses that the procedures were “according to the regulations for the women.” Were the procedures known and practiced by women in general? Did mothers pass on recipes for soothing oils and perfumes to their daughters? It is likely women used oils and scents to some extent and taught their daughters how to make fragrances. But only the women inducted into the king’s harem would have had the luxury of a twelve-month beauty program.
Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, required all the candidates to undergo the twelve-month regimen; one could not opt out of the treatment. The words that form the basis of “beauty treatment” are translated “to scour, polish” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, p. 804). In a dry climate subject to drought and water shortage, people did not bathe frequently. The twelve-month process might be thought of as a cleansing, hygienic exfoliation, followed by a refinement with fragrances.
Candidates for queen came to the king’s palace in Susa from “all the provinces of his kingdom” (Esther 2:2). The Persian Empire extended east toward India and west toward Greece. It encompassed expansive deserts and a sub-tropical area along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The climate in most of the kingdom was hot, dry, desert or semi-desert. Droughts and shortage of rainfall were common. Weather along the two rivers was humid, but regions distant from the Tigris-Euphrates plain suffered blistering heat. Southern winds blowing off the Persian Gulf kicked up sandstorms, and dry winds blew down from the north.
One of Hegai’s objectives was to ameliorate the effects of heat, wind and evaporation. His plan placed skin care first. Six months of oils addressed troublesome conditions such as cracking, wrinkling, wind damage, sunburn, healing of sores and skin diseases. Several of the oils available in Esther’s time had disinfectant and anti-fungal properties. Because every young woman underwent a thorough oil exfoliation, skin disorders were noted and treated. The king was protected from picking up skin diseases and infections that could have been introduced into the harem.
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 scriptures do not say whether 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.
What oils were used in the beautifying process?
Although scripture doesn’t reveal much, it is thought that the women had daily massages with olive oil, cassis oil, myrrh oil and honey to moisturize, heal, disinfect and promote uplifting emotions.
Cassis berries
The on-line website Vision Smart Center in an article entitled “Super Cassis Power” states that cassis oil expressed from cassis berries has properties of settling PMS emotional flare-ups, bloating and cramps. It is used to relieve joint and body pain.
Olive oil is touted for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. It soothes inflammation and heals burns. It softens skin texture and is thought by some to cure dandruff (Shop.Newsmax.com, “The Healing Powers of Olive Oil”).
As a natural humectant or moisturizer, honey plays a role in natural cosmetics today as well as in Esther’s time. It retains moisture, is mildly antiseptic, and has been found helpful in healing acne caused by hormonal changes (Benefits of Honey, “Favorite Tips on Natural Skin Care With Honey”).
English: Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Essential Oil in clear glass vial (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Scripture lists myrrh oil first in the list of oils, and it may have been the most important ingredient in the regimen. In a YouTube presentation, Kenneth Gardner states that of the essential Biblical oils, myrrh is “top of the list” or “close to it.” He states that myrrh oil increases spiritual awareness and strengthens memory. It is effective in treating candida, yeast and ringworm (Young Living Essential Oils, “Myrrh Oil”).
Myrrh oil is derived from a resin that bleeds from a wound in the bark of a commiphora tree, native to Arabia and the eastern Mediterranean. The resin has been used for thousands of years as an ingredient in perfume, as incense and as a wound dressing (Wikipedia, “Myrrh”).
Ancient Egyptians “carried cones on their heads that contained myrrh to prevent sunburn and repel insects” (Experience-Essential-Oils.com, “Myrrh”). 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, alleviate stretch marks, and repel parasites and insects (Women of Valor, “Skin Care in the Bible,” and Easy-Essential-Oils.com, “Myrrh oil”).
What is known about fragrant oils?
To make fragrant lubricants, women placed resins of myrrh, or any of a number of aromatic peels, leaves, petals, or spices such as cinnamon and saffron into stone bottles of oil. The bottles sat in the sun for several days. Each morning the aromatic matter was refreshed, until the scent had sufficiently infused the oil (Women of Valor, “Skin Care in the Bible”).
Are the ancient oils used beauty products today?
Many people believe the oils are effective, safe and desirable. The natural oils are free of carcinogens and chemicals that disturb metabolism. A number of the oils and aromatics listed in scripture are incorporated into lotions and creams.♥ Mary Hendren
womenfromthebook
WomenfromtheBook Blog 
Dear Sister
I had chemotherapy through The Central Venous Catheter in my neck (jugular). It ruined my neck skin, leaving it crepey and it grieves me to look at the mirror.
Do you have any recommendations?
I’m thinking of mixing myrrh and olive oil to apply on my neck.
Where could I purchase myrrh and extra virgin olive oil that are genuine?
I am teaching a class of 8,9,10, and 11 year old girls and wanted to know about the treatments so that I can tell them some of the treatments used, I want to stress that their inner beauty is more important then the treatments on the outside of the body, this will be a preface for the class on Grooming. This is a very helpful article that I will use only parts of because of the young ages of the girls.
Hi Canoeing, the purification process was an order of the Kings decree. We have to understand this was a different time. Its was very obvious, rulership was dominant. Esther life was predestined by God, she was chosen for such a journey. As well as each of our life are predestined by the hand of God. Esther transition was a act of obedience, she walked into the beauty of holiness, she proclaim her true identity, Therefore, she became an advocate for the nation, and she was protected by his shield.
Normally, women would not even consider to approach a King. But Esther abide in the law. As women, we endure for the edification of Christ.
When the King saw Esther, he was not only captivated by her inner beauty and her heart, he saw her wisdom..
Thank you for all of this info. It is very helpful for the all natural beauty line I am creating.
Thanks for great information on beautification of beautiful Esther. My most favorite character of the Bible.Twenty five years ago I was asked to start eating almonds and sultanas with milk before my wedding. I was advised to apply paste of scented herb(UBTAN) +Turmeric+Sandle wood powder before bath. Also as per traditions I was applying mask made up of Chik peas powder+ Turmeric+ few drops of honey and lemon+ milk. Till today same tradition are in practice but in more commercial ways as there are ladies who come home to massage bride with scented oils and apply scented herbs on body. It is a beautiful feeling. These treatments lasts not more than a month.
Me having medical background I scientifically assure that apart from physical beautification there are psychological and emotional aspects involved in beautification treatmets. The feeling of being pampered, loved and wanted are beautiful feelings. While experiencing those feeling many hormones are secreted in the body which brings out glow on your face.
Serotonin is the key hormone of happiness, since it regulates mood, prevents depression, thwarts irritation and makes you happy and sociable.
Dopamine is a pleasure hormone that is released when you strive towards a goal. It also keeps you mentally alert and helps you focus. Oxytocin also increases feelings of love and trust. Above all during the stretch of 12 months even to be brides would have been given training of Royal protocols!!!
Very informative. I am studying the book of Esther, again. I’m getting ready to host a Bubke Stydy fir women on Wednesday mornings, and for young girls on every other Sunday evening. This will help educate the ladies and the girls.
Thank you! Ms. Sheryl
Great insight!!!!
Very grateful.
Be blessed.
Oh goodness, I think I serve as a perfect example of what can go wrong if you simply look to the english instead of the original hebrew language.
In the hebrew the difference in meaning is obvious!
In Genesis 31 it’s the דֶרֶךְ נָשִׁים “derech nashiym” = “way of the women” , and in Esther 2 it’s דָת הַנָּשִׁים “dath hanashiym” meaning a decree /law / edict of the women.
I sincerely apologize for contributing to confusion or strange ideas. And honestly I wouldn’t have written in such a manner, if I had known at this point in time, about the outrageous believes that some people (like black hebrew israelites) proclaim and teach for doctrine and live in such a way, which are just simply disgusting. I completely disagree with their statements, I don’t even want to repeat them here.
Wow this was very insightful & interesting! Thank you for sharing your research. I’d love to start this beauty regime..
Thank you, Antonia. I had not run across this interesting perspective. I will keep this thought in mind and do some research on the topic!
This is what I got from another website:
It also takes a while (usually 12 to 18 months) for a girl’s period to become regular after her first period. You may get your first period and then not have another for a few months.
So, as I understand in Esther 2:12 the women had a regular period for 12 months, which is even more than just “ok, period started, count 12 months”
I find this very fascinating. 🙂
Of course there were woman like Esther who was probably in her 20s, too.
I have another theory regarding the “manner of the women”. Surely the women had this treatment of “purification” for 6 months with oil of myrrh and 6 months with other things and sweet odours, but my understanding is that “the manner of the women” is the menstruation of a woman. See in Genesis 31:35 the same term is used: “She said to her father, ‘Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the manner (or the custom acc. to KJV) of women is upon me.’ So he searched but did not find the household idols.”
What I also understand from this verse in Esther 2:12 is that no woman came in to King who did not have her period for at least 12 months, who did not yet undergo their bodily changes.
We do not know what was the range of age of these “fair young virgins”, so some of them might not have had their period yet, as we also know this can differ a lot from girl to girl.
They were virgins
This comment is from a male. I did a websearch about the Ezeklel reference to salting babies and discovered the helpful comments on this site. Regarding the 12 months purification, I suggest another reason. Perhaps 12 months also gave time to reveal whether the woman was already with child.
Hi Canoeing with God
I was reading about Esther just today and through wanting to gain a deeper insight into the background of Esther 2:12-13 I typed into Google Why was Esther prepared in oils and perfumes for a year. Varies websites came up and I chose http://www.biblehub.com
If you would like to take a look at the commentaries section and find Matthew Poole’s Commentary or Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible they give you a little more insight as to why Esther and the other women had to go through this process. I hope it helps!
From 1 beautiful woman 2 another!
And PS. To the writer(s) of womenfromthebook.com I love this website and gained much from reading your article. God bless
I have been researching the bizarre beauty treatments that women do in the name of beauty and stumbled upon your blog. This is a great article on Esther and my favorite book in the Bible. It still leaves me pondering why women, even beautiful women, had to undergo these long drawn out beauty treatments. I am also looking at other cultures and what some of them deem “beautiful.” Thank you for your insight.
Looking forward to being apart of this website insightful ideas thanks