When we arrived at the Braunfels Castle today, we immediately noticed the chalk markings on the doors. Today in Germany, Epiphany, a tradition, which dates back to the 16th century, is celebrated. It’s a public holiday that marks the end of the Christmas season and celebrates the arrival of the Three Wisemen.
Last night adults and children dressed up like the Three Wisemen, going door to door singing carols and collecting money for charity. At each house they visit, they chalked the year, an asterisk, and “C+M+B” on the door (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar), leaving a blessing on that home or building.
For many, today is the day the Christmas decoration come down and we figuratively move into the new year. Here are some of the doors we saw today:
At the Braunfels Castle, before we took the tour, we went into the small castle church where the Wisemen visted last night. This artwork was there in the church, depicting the visit of the Wisemen:
Our Frankfurt Germany Mission 