They represent the initials of the Wise Men (Caspar, Malchior, and Balthazar). This year, they would write "20 + C =M +B + 23" in chalk.
Some people chalk their doors as a way of blessing their homes. They are eaten the following day for the Feast of the Epiphany celebrations. Around the world, special pastries, such as the tortell and king cake, are baked on Twelfth Night. The punch, called wassail, is consumed during Christmastime, but especially on Twelfth Night. The Twelfth Night is the night before Epiphany, and the twelfth day is Epiphany itself.įood and drink are central in the celebrations of this holiday. Therefore, the height of celebration became the night before, or eve, of Epiphany. The twelve-day count actually begins on the night of December 25, the "first night." The day of December 26 is the "first day," the night of December 26 is the "second night," and so on. The days and nights are counted separately. During the Middle Ages, Christmas was a time of continuous feasting and merriment, which climaxed on the Twelfth Night. The Twelve Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day (December 25) and end on Epiphany (January 6). That is only the first day of Christmas and it includes the eleven days that follow. Contrary to popular belief, Christmas is not just December 25. So here we are at Twelfth Night, not the popular Shakespeare play but the final night of the Seasons festivities.
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