Chalking the door at Epiphany

Epiphany inscription

Have you chalked your door this year?

This traditional Epiphany custom is practiced in many countries across Europe and is becoming more popular here in the UK too.

After the chalk has been blessed by a priest in church, pieces are taken home and used to write the initials of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, above the lintel of your doorway: ( 20+C_M_ B +25 )

As the inscription is taking place the following prayer is prayed:

Blessed be this doorway.

May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living amongst us as we welcome them with respect and kindness.

May all our comings and goings be under the seal of God's loving care.

May we seek and serve, in everyone we meet , Jesus, Who is Lord forever and ever,

Amen.

The Christian custom of chalking the door has a biblical precedent as the Israelites in the Old Testament marked their doors in order to be saved from death. The custom also represents the hospitality of the Holy Family to the Magi (and all Gentiles) - serving as a house blessing to invite the presence of God in one's home. And it can be a gentle conversation starter with non-Christian visitors.

In 20th century Poland, during the Communist era, the practice of chalking the door continued among believers as a way of asserting their Christian identity, in the face of the Eastern Bloc's state atheism and anti-religious campaigns.