Saturday, January 05, 2008

Twelfth Night

Tonight is the twelfth and last night of Christmas, one of the most important of the Winter Solstice. It is the eve of Epiphany, which celebrates the arrival in Bethlehem of the three wise men, following the star of a greater king.

In Bavaria and Austria from New Years through January 6, Star Singers dress as the magi and go caroling door to door, bearing before them the staff of that mysterious star. On this evening, householders in Germany and Poland chalk C+M+B and the date over their doorways and ask for the protection of Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar.

I love the three kings legend. It fires the imagination for me like no other part of Christmas. I hear in it the oneness of man and the universe, the quest of the seeker, and the leap of faith. May this night bring you amazing joy.

No comments: