Epiphanytide House Blessings
Each year, just after the new year, one begins to see strange markings above the doors of Christian homes all over the world. A strange equation written in chalk appears, sometimes accompanied by groups of people, praying in unison and splashing water upon the door. What is this strange ritual? What does it mean? And why should you have your house blessed during Epiphanytide this year?
History of House Blessings
The practice of Epiphanytide house blessings goes back to the middle ages, but little is known of its origins. The practice has some precedent in the Ancient Hebrew practice of mezuzah, in which faithful Jews mark the lentels of their doors with the shemah, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might,” as commanded in Dueteronomy 6:4-9.
The Christian tradition is associated with Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, which commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Early Christians saw this event as a manifestation of Christ's divinity to the Gentiles, symbolized by the arrival of the wise men. During the medieval period, the Church began associating Epiphany with the blessings of homes and households. This practice was not merely a cultural quirk but a deliberate effort to both infuse the sacred into the domestic sphere, and to ask God’s blessing upon the place where so much of human life happens.
What Happens During a Home Blessing?
During a House Blessing, a priest will visit your home, and using chalk and water which have been blessed, will write above your door, 20+C+M+B+24. These symbols unite multiple meanings. First of all, the little plus signs are meant to be crosses. The numbers represent the calendar year in which the blessing takes place, and the letters C, M, B have two meanings: 1) the initials of the traditional names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar and 2) the abbreviation for the Latin phrase: Christus mansionem benedictat, “may Christ bless the house.” The priest will then, often, travel throughout the home, applying Holy Water in each room in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reading scripture, praying prayers, and blessing the activities and persons which will be in each room throughout the year. Each person present is anointed with oil and individually blessed, and there is typically a candle which travels with the party, shining the light of Christ in every corner of the home.
Why have your home blessed?
There are at least four reasons why you should have your home blessed each year:
Having Your House Blessed…
Testifies to the Power of Prayer:
The act of blessing one's home is, in many ways, an acknowledgment of the potency of prayer. The Bible implores believers to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), recognizing prayer as a vital means of connecting with God and affecting change in the world. By seeking a blessing for your home, you confess the belief that, through prayer, we invite God's presence and grace into the very rooms where we live out our lives.
Acknowledges the Reality of Spiritual Opposition:
Spiritual opposition is a recurring theme in the Bible. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil. Having our homes blessed is an acknowledgment of this reality, and a conscious effort to fortify our living spaces against unseen spiritual adversaries through the invocation of divine protection.
Acts as a Declaration to All Who Pass By of Your Household Faith and Allegiance:
The external act of blessing a home is more than a private affair; it is a public declaration of faith in God, who alone may truly bless. As those around us witness the act of blessing and the marks upon our doors, it becomes a visible proclamation of our allegiance to Christ. It speaks volumes to neighbors and passersby (and serves as a reminder to occupants and guests alike), testifying that this home is a sanctuary where Christ reigns as King.
Provides an Opportunity to Dedicate Your Home, Family, & Life to God:
Just as we dedicate ourselves to a cause or a purpose, blessing your home is a deliberate act of consecration, setting this space apart as one for rest, rejuvenation, healing, hospitality, study, and spiritual growth. We present our abode as a living testament to God's sovereignty, recognizing that our dwellings are spaces where His will should be paramount. This dedication extends beyond the physical structure, encompassing the lives and aspirations of those who call it home.
If you would like to have your home blessed during Epiphanytide (or at any time, really), reach out and speak to one of your priests. I once had someone who had no connection to our church email me and ask me to come to bless her home and pray for her family. This was a great honor. It is an honor each time I am invited into your home. It is my joy to pronounce Christ’s blessing over your home and family.
There are appointment slots available throughout Epiphanytide where you can sign up to have either Father Jeff or me come to your home for a blessing. If none of these times work for you, you can a) try to arrange for another time, or b) ask one of us for a blessed piece of chalk and some Holy Water. It is ok for you to say this liturgy over your own home and family.
One last note on hospitality. In the spirit of the Holy Family, who received the Magi in faithful generosity, house blessings are also great opportunities to invite friends, loved ones, and neighbors into your home to participate in the liturgy. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me or Father Jeff.
GraceAndPeace,
John Trammell ☩
