Epiphany Blessing, Explained

The Epiphany household blessing is a centuries-old tradition that invokes God’s blessing on all who enter one’s home.

All you need for an Epiphany blessing is chalk. There are a few different formulas for blessings out there, but the essence of the ritual is always the same: a priest or the head of the household calls down God’s blessing on the house and everyone who comes into it, and an inscription is made above the door in chalk.

The inscription reads: the first two digits of the year + C + M + B + the last two digits of the year. The initials C, M and B represent the names of the magi — Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar — and also signify the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless the house.” ©LPi