Today, a tradition from central Europe encourages us to chalk the initial letters of the ‘Three Kings’, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, in the new year, 20-13, on the door lintel of our house, viz: 20 ✠ C ✠ M ✠ B ✠ 13. (CBM may also spell ‘Christus mansionem benedicat’- ‘May Christ bless the house’.)
