Home blessing
I am on a quest to learn new things this year.We attended the Epiphany service at St. Alban's last Sunday.
After the service, we had refreshments in the little hall and we were given “Home Blessing kits.” The kits were kraft bags decorated with stars, containing a candle, a fir tree sprig, a piece of chalk, Holy Water (in a zip lock plastic bag), and instructions. The season of Epiphany is known as the season of light and is the traditional time for the blessing of a home. The lighted candle is carried from room to room with prayers being said for the activities that take place in that room and the people who spend time there. The fir sprig is used to sprinkle Holy Water in each room.
When we returned home, we went from room to room (kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom, bedroom, etc.) and said the appropriate prayers. I thought the blessing for a Workroom or Workshop was very appropriate for a sewing room or quilting studio. It said “Many there are who rely upon their hands and are skillful in their own work…. Be present, we pray, with those who work in this place, that, laboring as workers together with you, they may share the joy of your creation…”
I have not attended church in years, but the Epiphany service and the home blessing ritual has sparked my interest.
When we returned home, we went from room to room (kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom, bedroom, etc.) and said the appropriate prayers. I thought the blessing for a Workroom or Workshop was very appropriate for a sewing room or quilting studio. It said “Many there are who rely upon their hands and are skillful in their own work…. Be present, we pray, with those who work in this place, that, laboring as workers together with you, they may share the joy of your creation…”
I have not attended church in years, but the Epiphany service and the home blessing ritual has sparked my interest.
posted by Christine Thresh at 11:51 AM
6 Comments:
How lovely!
What is the chalk for? Inquiring minds wish to know...
joan
Joan,
The instruction book says, "Take a piece of chalk ... write the following inscription on the inside support above your front door: 20+C+M+B+10."
The four digits designating the new year appear at the beginning and end of the line. The letters have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. They also abbreviate the Latin words 'Christ mansionem benedicat' which mean 'May Christ bless the house.' "
Oh, wow! This is lovely! Thanks for sharing.
We do a blessing using white sage - quite similar to what you did. I like this type of thing. Interesting that it came in church service - not so long ago this would probably not been allowed in most churches. I love ecumenical progress.
What a lovely idea!
wonderful idea
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