My great Aunt Sophie, a devout Polish Catholic, always chalked her door on Epiphany each year, it seems to be a very old Polish tradition that was brought over with her ancestors. For the past few years we’ve done this even though we aren’t Catholic, I feel like I’m remembering her and honoring my Polish heritage.

So for 2015 your front door or space above your front door on the outside would look like this:




Here’s an explanation of the tradition:




Chalking the door

Never heard of this, but I'm not Polish Catholic. I do know someone who is, however, maybe I'll ask him.

New one on me. Catholic. Mother was 100% Irish. January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany was traditionally when we took down the tree and decorations.

You see it alot in Bavaria and in the Rheinland areas of Germany.

quote:

Originally posted by fischtown7:
You see it alot in Bavaria and in the Rheinland areas of Germany.

Makes sense for Bavaria as they are heavily Catholic there.

My step-father's family was Polish Catholic, but I never saw them do this.

I do it.

Didn’t know it was a thing until I joined the church/parrish I currently attend (for about the last 20 or so years).
Our church has a small ceremony where they mark and bless the main door into the church and later give out holy water and chalk for folks to take home.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Snake207,

Huh, never heard of this either, and parents were from Poland, immigrants after the war, and Catholic. Devout church goers too.

Never heard of this practice/tradition for Epiphany before, and we've a significant Polish presence in my area. My wife, who's Catholic, had never heard of it in connection with Epiphany, either.

Our only Epiphany "observation" is leaving the outdoor Christmas lights on through the evening of.