When I first moved to Germany I was fascinated by the symbols scribbled in chalk above most houses in the village.  Luckily on e day while I was home around January 6th a group of children rang my door bell.  To my surprise there were 4 children, 3 dressed like the Three Kings of the bible and one was holding a large star.  They sang some songs while one of the Kings clutching an incense burner, scented my whole hallway with the ancient scent of frankincense and Myrrh.

When they finished the tallest child reached up and in chalk market these letters and numbers above my door…20 + C + M + B + 10.  Each letter represented the names of the Kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar and the numbers, the year.  I have also heard it also means “Christus mansionem benedicat” (Christ bless this house).

It is these touching small town old world moments that move me and each year I look forward to seeing which village children will get the great honor to be this years Kings.

If you are interested in reading more about this tradition in Germany here is a great link:
Epiphany in Germany