Carol singers in German do not go from house to house before Christmas eve, they do it afterwards instead – specifically between 27th December and 6th January.

During this time, the so-called “Sternsinger”, organised by the local church and who are sometimes translated as “star boys”, go from house to house to collect for a particular good cause using the year’s motto and dressed as the Three Kings.

This year the motto is “Segen bringen – Segen sein!  Respekt für dich, für mich, für andere – in Bolivien und weltweit!” (bring a blessing – be a blessing!  Respect for you, for me, for others – in Bolivia and worldwide) and the money raised will go to help children worldwide, in particular in the Bolivia.  With the whole country taking part, it is not unusual to raise over €40 million.

Before they leave they write 20*C+M+B+16 on the door frame, the letters standing for “Christus mansionem benedicat”, or “God protect this house”. [Read more…]