The Epiphany Tradition of Chalking the Door

Something you might notice while visiting Europe are homes with their doorways marked with letters and numbers chalk. (You may see this in the U.S. as well, but it’s not as widely common as in Europe). This is an Epiphany tradition.

Each year on the Epiphany (January 6th), families gather to ask for God’s blessing on their home and those who live in or visit their home. For some, the blessing may take place with the family gathering, praying, and seeking God’s blessing, and for others, a Priest may visit, bringing incense and holy water and blesses the house. Afterwards, the doorways are marked with the year and the letters of the three kings: Caspar, Melchior & Balthazar.

This tradition is practiced by many Christian faiths. In the Catholic church, the closing prayer at the end of the house blessing is:

Bless, O Lord God almighty, this home, that in it there may be health, purity, the strength of victory, humility, goodness and mercy, the fulfillment of Thy law, the thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. And may this blessing remain upon this home and upon all who dwell herein. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.