In the Bible we read of Mary, the sister of Lazarus, a man whom Jesus had raised from the dead, breaking an alabaster jar containing pure nard, or spikenard, a very expensive perfume, and anointing the head and feet of Jesus. “She did what she could,” Jesus said, “She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” Cinnamon, also an expensive spice, was used to prepare the anointing oil for both the high priest and certain articles in the tabernacle.