​Chalking the Doors for Epiphany

What is chalking the doors about?  

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Chalking the door is a Christian Epiphany-tide (the period of time from Epiphany until Ash Wednesday) tradition used to bless one's home.The practice of chalking the door originated in medieval Europe, though it has spread worldwide throughout Christendom.  

 

The symbols have the following meanings: 

• 20: The year 2000

• +: The Cross

• C, M, B: The initials of the names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar

• Christus Mansionem Benedicat: A Latin phrase that means "May Christ bless the house"

• 26:  The current year of the blessing.

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What is involved in Chalking the Doors?

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On the Sunday before the Epiphany, blessed chalk and instructions will be handed out to those interested.  With the instructions, you can place the new chalking on the doors of your house. 

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