Twelfth Night, the traditional way

TRADITIONAL ceremonies were held in Lockerbie and Moffat to mark Epiphany Sunday. They were carried out by Vittoria Hancock, the new rector of the Scottish Episcopal Churches in upper Annandale. In olden times, householders would bless their door as a means of welcoming those who cross the threshold. Following that lead, Rev Hancock on Sunday blessed each House of God by chalking on the door of the churches ‘20 C M B 26.’ She explained how Epiphany is a time to remember the Three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, who, guided by the Star of Bethlehem, blessed the door of the stable. Hence, their initials are sandwiched by the year. An older explanation is that it is an abbreviation of a Latin blessing “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” which translated means ‘May Christ bless this house’. Vittoria said: “This is a good way to welcome in the New Year, by asking that all who come in or go out over the coming days and weeks may be blessed. “We believe that God is a God of new beginnings. The Chalking of the Door reminds us that God is with us as we journey onwards into the new, past put behind us, looking to the future.” Chalk is cheap and easy to wash away. Traditionally it was made from limestone, part of the earth. “The idea is that holiness isn’t separate from daily life,” added the minister. “God works through ordinary things.” The congregation were also given the chance to take away chalk to bless their own homes.