Tuesday, January 6th was a German holiday: Three Kings Day.
I’ve never known the actual significance of this day, but it must celebrate the quest of the three wisemen bearing gifts to the Christ child.
The doorbell rang late yesterday afternoon and when I answered the door, there were three kings (accompanied by a guardian mama angel) bearing gifts and blessings!
These sweet kings sang two beautiful songs to me, offered me something sweet to nibble, and after I gave them a treat (a big bag of yummy M & M’s) and a donation for the church, they offered a blessing for the new year to our family, and scribed a blessing for the house on our front door, written appropriately in blue crayon.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy — and appreciate — the many lovely German traditions; especially those centered around religious holidays and the church. Unlike many places in the US where it is illegal to pray or post Christian messages in public places, the Germans aren’t ashamed to worship or praise God in their homes, the villages, cities and their daily lives.
Well, after my visit from those regal royal visitors, I’ve got holly in my heart and my new year is off to an even better blessed beginning!
This tradition is carried on here in Philadelphia in some Catholic parishes with German parishoners. The priest comes to the door & makes the mark on the door sill. My mother was of Russian heritage, and her parents were Russian Orthodox. They always celebrated what they called “Little Christmas”, which was really the feast of the Magi. Token gifts were exchanged. Our Christmas tree never came down until after January 6th. I don’t take mine down until after January 6th either. I’ll TELL you it’s because of the 3 Kings tradition, but the truth is that I just like having it up and I’m so wiped out from the holiday that I just don’t have the energy to take it down.
I think that the 3 children coming to your door is so lovely — a gift to start the New Year. You mentioned in an earlier blog entry that the German traditions made you feel so much closer to the real meaning of Christmas. We could all use a bit of that.
Pat — Happy new year; it’s great to hear from you! How were your holidays? Hope they were wonderful! Thanks for sharing some information about the tradition of Three Kings Day. That certainly explains why everyone has their Christmas trees and decorations still on display — even in the villages. I’ve enjoyed seeing all the trees and trimmings well into January this year, even though we undecorated our house on New Year’s eve day.
Hope 2009 is off to a fantastic start for you and your family. Blessings to you all for the coming year!