Christus mansionem benedicat

WE WERE VISITED BY  THREE KINGS TODAY.

While the celebration of Epiphany is largely forgotten in our protestant circle, there remains the tradition of 'Sternsinger' in Germany.  This afternoon at around 4PM our house was visited by the three kings of the Magi carrying a star on a pole -  school kids dressed up to play the part of Kings Casper, Melchior and Balthasar - who sang to us a short song  in exchange for a donation.  The tradition is now mainly used to raise funds for charity projects by local kids.

In return, the Three Kings inscribed a blessing on our doorway.  The inscription - which curiously shows up on doorways all over Germany -  is made up of the year - 2011 - separated by the initials of the Kings to make "20 * C + M + B * 11". By some, CMB rather stands for  "Christus mansionem benedicat (Christ bless this house)."

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