Why are more Christians “chalking the door” during lockdown and what is it?

Jan 7, 2021 by

from the Church of England website:

The once rare tradition of “chalking the door” has become an increasingly common sight in in the UK – and is even thriving amid tightening lockdown restrictions.

Christians use chalk, which has been blessed, to write the letters “CMB” and the calendar year on their doorway in a traditional Epiphany celebration.

The letters represent the traditional names of the Magi – Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar – and could also stand for the Latin blessing: “Christus mansionem benedicat” – meaning May Christ bless this house.

The so-called “Holy graffiti” has seen huge growth in England lately even amid Covid restrictions.

Revd Arwen Folkes, the Rector of St Peter’s in East Blatchington, Seaford, East Sussex, said: “The tradition of chalking the door was new to my parish, but last year I offered it for those who might appreciate it.

“In January 2020 none of us knew how profoundly important reviving the tradition of blessing and chalking one’s home would prove to be.

“Those little numbers and letters on the entrance became a reminder of faith and strength for the year that was about to unfold on us.”

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