"Three Wise Man" are roaming the streets • European Cuisine, Culture & Travel©

Courtesy Romy Merk

Disguised as the Three Wise Men, the German Sternsingers (star singers) go from house to house and write “C + M + B” on the doors.

But what does that actually mean? Where does the custom come from? “C + M + B” – these letters are written by the star singers in chalk on numerous house doors. What does that stand for, and who are these carolers?

In Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria the Epiphany singing is performed at or close to Epiphany (6 January) and has developed into a nationwide custom, where the children of both sexes call on every door and are given sweets and money for charity projects – mostly in aid of poorer children in other countries.

Those Carolers singers go around dressed up as the Three Wise Men to raise money for charity. Usually it is children or teenagers involved as the Holy Three Kings

German Sternsingers writing in chalk on doors. Epiphany

What does the carol singers saying C + M + B on the doors mean? The blessing “20 C + M + B 24 stands for the Latin “Christ Mansionem Benedicat” (“Christ bless this house”). The beginning and end is the divided year.

German Sternsingers writing in chalk on doors — German Sternsingers writing with chalk on doors

The saying is written in chalk on the doors when the carol singers receive a donation. How long has the custom of star singing existed? The Catholic custom was already known in the 16th century and continues to this day. The photos depict singers from previous years.