Monday, February 15, 2010

10+C+M+B+10 = House Blessing


Have you ever seen this over a doorway? It looks like a formula of sorts which is why, most probably it caught my son's eye. In early January he moved to Germany and shortly after arriving he noticed this sign over the doorways of homes. He looked closely and found that this plaque, made of clay, is often hung in January as a house blessing. Interestingly C, M and B are the initials of the three Magi, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. The initials also abbreviate, Christus mansionem benedicat, meaning, may Christ bless this house. Click here for more details about this interesting blessing. Do you have a blessing marking your doorway?

4 comments:

  1. Honestly not over my doorway, but I want to let you know how interesting this post was. Thanks for sharing. sandie

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  2. This is so neat! Thank you for sharing. Yes, I keep an "eye" of sorts, I believe it's from Greece over my doorway. To the side of the door is a palm Mary, the blessed mother hanging close by. I feel quite protected by those two. However, I think I will try this as well. The way I see it, your home can never be too blessed.
    Safe journey to Charlotte and enjoy Jimmy Carter. Can't wait to hear about the lecture. Enjoy!

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  3. Come visit my blog for a little "Sunshine" today.
    Sandie

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  4. Another interesting post! I never heard of this custom and think it's quite nice.
    No, we don't keep anything special over our door.

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