The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Magi or three wise men to baby Jesus. It is celebrated on the 12th day of Christmas, January 6th. Although in the US it is now celebrated on the Sunday between the 2nd and 8th of January.
Here in Germany, well more specifically Catholic Bavaria, January 6th is a holiday. Traditionally after the church service children dress up as the three kings and travel from house to house singing a Christmas carol and collecting money for poor children.
Afterwards using chalk, they write this on your door: "20+C+M+B+14". This represents the Latin Christus Mansionem Benedicat which means Christ bless this house. The letters are also the first initials of the three wise men: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. The numbers represent the year. We missed them last year so I was excited when they arrived at our door!
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