The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, also known as Twelfth Night or Three Kings Day, recalls the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child as told in the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12. For Christians, it is a reminder that they too are invited to witness Jesus Christ within their own hearts and homes.
The word epiphany comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which means manifestation or glorious appearing.
Many Christian faiths around the world celebrate the Epiphany. In some parts of the world the Epiphany is celebrated as a season, which includes the baptism of Jesus and the wedding at Cana.
In addition to attending church services, there are several Epiphany customs, including “chalking the door.” While reciting a series of prayers, Christians use blessed chalk to transcribe on or above their home’s main entrance a pattern of numbers, letters, and symbols.
For 2025, the pattern is 20+C+M+B+25.
The numbers represent the current year. The plus signs represent Jesus’ Cross. The letters refer to the traditional names of the Magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar) or the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” meaning “May Christ bless this house.”
The use of blessed chalk is a reminder that as “dust” we are still made for holy purposes. The yearly custom is an invitation to God to bless one’s home and to be present throughout the entire year.
“Chalking the door” is typically done between the first Sunday after January 1 and before Ash Wednesday, which will be celebrated on March 5 this year.