A day for the three kings
Tradition, charity mark Epiphany Jan. 6 as trios dress up like the Magi to sing songs, collect money and bless houses
Posted: January 9, 2013
By Fiona Gaze - Staff Writer | Comments (0) | Post comment
Walter Novak
Visitors to Chvalý Chateau in Horní Počernice were treated to a regal show, with the costumed figures of Kašpar, Balthazar and Melichar parading for spectators on camels on the castle grounds Sunday, Jan. 6.
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Following the 12 days of Christmas, according to Catholic tradition, Jan. 6 marks the Feast of the Epiphany, the day on which the Magi, or Three Kings, supposedly visited the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem.
Also called Three Kings Day, local tradition sees trios dressed up as the wise men, the figures of Kašpar of India, Balthazar of Arabia and Melichar of Persia. The characters roam the streets, singing carols in pubs and houses and soliciting coins that go toward a select charity. In exchange for the donation and the hospitality, the Three Kings then mark the doorway in chalk with the wise men's initials and the year, as a blessing on the house.
At Chvalý Chateau in Horní Počernice, visitors were treated to a performance featuring camels.
Fiona Gaze can be reached at
fgaze@praguepost.com
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