The practice involves marking the lintel of a doorway with a specific inscription on the Feast of the Epiphany. This inscription typically consists of numbers representing the year separated by crosses and the initials of the traditional names of the Three Wise Men: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. An example would be “20 + C + M + B + 24” for the year 2024.
This tradition serves as a visual and spiritual declaration, inviting divine protection and blessing upon the home and its inhabitants throughout the year. Historically, this act connects to the biblical narrative of the Epiphany, commemorating the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, and seeks to imbue the home with a sense of sacred welcome and hospitality. The act of blessing the home is believed to offer spiritual benefits, fostering a sense of peace, unity, and divine presence within the household.
