Final answer:
The 3 wise men are added to nativity scenes to mark the Epiphany on January 6th. They represent the Magi's visit and gifts to baby Jesus and include Balthazar, often depicted as a Black king from Africa, illustrating the universal message of Christmas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 3 wise men, also known as the Magi or three kings, are typically added to nativity scenes to represent their visit to the newborn Jesus. This event is known as the Epiphany and is celebrated on January 6th. In traditional nativity displays, the figures of the three kings are often added to the scene on this day, sometimes in a procession leading up to the stable. The kings, identified as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, each carry gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the birth of Christ. Nativity scenes have been a significant part of Christian artistic tradition since the Middle Ages, with the Magi symbolizing the recognition of Jesus as king by the wider world beyond Israel.
The inclusion of Balthazar, frequently depicted as a Black king, is believed to represent the Magi's diverse origins and is said to be from Africa. Such representations in nativity scenes communicate the universal scope of the Christmas celebration, illustrating that Jesus came into the world for all people, regardless of race or origin. Noteworthy is that the artistic portrayal of the Magi in Western Christian art, including Balthazar, contributed to the early understanding of the multicultural dimensions of Christianity.