What do you do on Epiphany?

Answer 1

Bethlehemes is a custom in Central Europe. Around Christmas and especially at Epiphany young people go from house to house, receive treats. They are dressed as the three wise men, or other "Bethlehem" characters. There can be 6 or 7 wisemen, or more, not just the usual three! They leader carries a star on a broom handle, and the group follows him or her from house to house, following the tradition of looking for the baby Jesus. Sometimes this star is 8 sided and of painted wood- yellow, or multi-colored in a geometric pattern. In other places (especially Germany) the star is more like a big pin-wheel, and in others still it is a lighted star lantern, the group following through the night air with their own lanterns as well. One other member of the troupe carries what looks like a small model of a church. Sometimes these are beautifully carved and hand painted representations of a church in the area. Sometimes they can be relatively large and heavy and are brought in by two men. When the "Bethlehemers" are welcomed into the house they sing, and everyone joins in. Then high point comes when the little church is opened up. There are not people inside but a beautiful nativity scene. Everyone looks at the nativity scene as though it were the first time the had ever seen one. Then everyone sings again, and treats are passed out to the visitors - chocolates, marzipan, toasted almonds or other nice things.

For Catholics and Orthodox Christians in areas where the custom is still kept, this can be quite a formal and spiritual event, and the priest will come and bless the house with holy water and pine branches, and mark a blessing over the door in chalk for the new year. For Protestants and others though, this is mostly just fun.

The term bethlehemes" comes from Bethlehemes jatek (pronounced: Bet-la-hem-esh Yah-teck) which means in the Hungarian language, Bethlehem game or Bethlehem Play. In Slavic lands this may be called Jaselka (Nativity Play) or Szopka (Manger). In German speaking lands these groups are called Sternsinger which means Star-Singers for the star which they carry. The custom of Bethlehemes is similar to British and American caroling. Today, while the older tradition is still strong, Bethlehemes may also be a Christmas Presentation given by the children of a school, just as in Britain and the United States during the month of December. One other important part of the Bethlehemes custom is that the "Wisemen" and "Bethlehemers" besides bringing and receiving treats, are given money, but they don't keep it. They are collecting for worthy causes like the disabled veterans or children in Africa. Bethlehemes goes on usually from the first Sunday in the New Year, for a week until the Sunday that follows Epiphany, they Sunday after Epiphany being the big day for doing this. "Bethlehemer" school children - often dozens of them, all dressed as wisemen- also visit the president of several countries, and say "Christ bless this house" at the Parliment, and sing in the capital.

You've just reminded me to dust off my Three Kings costumes. Thanks!

Vízkereszti üdvözlet!Happy Epiphany!