Epiphany 5th & 6th of January
At this time of year an important religious custom is perpetuated in many farms and homes of the Berchtesgadener Land. Holy water is fetched (often from three different churches and mixed), as well as incense and chalk that have been blessed.
They are used for the three days of incensing, prayer, blessings and sprinkling of holy water that the farmer and other male members of the household carry out on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and on the 5th of January, called the third 'incensing' night.
three kings
Following the three incensing nights, the farmer will use the holy chalk to inscribe C+M+B and the year on the door-frame of his home. The initials stand for the three kings/wise men Casper, Melchior and Balthazar, as well as for the Latin prayer Christus Mansionum Benedictum (Christ bless this House).
It is also at this time that children, dressed as the three kings (including one with a blackened face!) go from door to door, singing, and collecting money for the church and inscribing C+M+B.
Wednesday, 08. October 2008
