Chalking the door facts for kids

Epiphany season door chalking on an apartment door in the Midwestern US

A Christmas wreath on a home, with the top left-hand corner of the front door chalked for Epiphanytide

Chalking the door is a special Christian tradition. It happens during the Epiphany season, which is a time after Christmas. This custom is a way to bless a home and invite God's presence into it.

What is Epiphany?

Epiphany Day is celebrated by Christians on January 6th. It remembers when the Magi (also known as the Three Wise Men) visited baby Jesus. Sometimes, the chalking is done on Twelfth Night, which is January 5th, the evening before Epiphany.

How to Chalk the Door

Many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Roman Catholics, take part in this tradition. They use chalk to write a special pattern on their doors or doorframes.

A common pattern looks like this: "20✝C✝M✝B✝25".

• The numbers, like "20" and "25", stand for the current year.
• The crosses (✝) represent Christ.
• The letters C, M, and B have two meanings:
  • They are the first letters of the traditional names of the Three Wise Men: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.
  • They also stand for a Latin phrase: Christus mansionem benedicat. This means "May Christ bless this house."

Sometimes, people use chalk that has been blessed by a priest or minister. While Epiphany Day is the most common time, you can chalk your door on any day during the Epiphany season.

Why Chalk the Door?

This tradition has roots in the Old Testament of the Bible. The Israelites marked their doors to be saved from a plague. In the same way, chalking the door is seen as a way to protect Christian homes from evil spirits. It is believed to keep the home safe until the next Epiphany Day, when the custom is repeated.

It also shows the kindness and welcome given by the Holy Family to the Wise Men. By chalking the door, families invite the presence of God into their home. It acts as a special house blessing.

In the 20th century, in places like Poland, people continued to chalk their doors. They did this even when it was difficult to practice their Christian faith. It was a way to show their strong belief.

Gallery: Epiphany season door chalking

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  Epiphany season door chalking at the Villa Reepschlägerbahn in Germany

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  Epiphany door chalking at the Anglican Church of St Michael in Welling, London

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  Epiphany door chalking in Sexten, Italy

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  Epiphany door chalking in Heidelberg, Germany

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  Epiphany door chalking in Mittelberg, Austria