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!” (bring a blessing – be a blessing!) and the money raised will go to help children worldwide, in particular in Malawi. With the whole country taking part, it is not unusual to raise over €40 million.
Before they leave they write 20*C+M+B+14 on the door frame, the letters standing for “Christus mansionem benedicat”, or “God protect this house”. [Read more…]
