India, March 29 -- Many believe the 'bitter cup' of wine and myrrh offered to Jesus was an analgesic; it may, in fact, have been an attempt to increase pain

As millions solemnly reflect on the journey of Jesus Christ through the Via Dolorosa to Golgotha today, a small, yet surprising aspect shines a light on how important spices were during those times.

Christ was offered wine to drink by his executioners. This is referred to in two of the canonical gospels - that of Mark and Matthew.

"Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it," notes Mark 15:23-25 (New International Version).

"There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it," Matthew 27:34-36 (New Interna...