Figure 1.--This image shows modern German boys participating in Sternsingen. On Epiphany day groups of children (in former times mostly altar boys, now girls, too) roam from house to house singing Sternenlieder (songs that describe how they were guided by the star of Bethlehem) bringing wishes to the house and its inhabitants. Images courtesy of the Frommenhausen internet site.

Sternsingen is part of the German Christams celebration. On Epiphany day (January 6 each year or the day before, nowadays much earlier) groups of children (in former times mostly altar boys, now girls, too) roam from house to house singing Sternenlieder (songs that describe how they were guided by the star of Bethlehem) bringing wishes to the house and its inhabitants, too. As a return they get some sweets and money, which is nowadays usually donated to the poor, or some Third World country project. In Austria it was performed by men, who rode on horseback through the towns and villages. This appears to be a uniquely German custom. I don't think it custom exists in other countries. There are, however similar traditions in Belgium and the Netherlands, especially in Flanders. The children in 2003 write on the door with chalk "20+C+M+B+03" This means the names of the Wisemen: Caspar, Melchior (the black king appeared in art since the 12th century, in the Middle ages as youth, man, old person or from other continents as well), and Balthasar. But it really means Christus mansionem benedicat (Christ bless this house). Protestant children are increasingly taking part in the Sternsinger roaming. A German reader tells us, "I was painted as a black Melchior once hence I know that they use creme on your face on which coal is put."

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Created: November 11, 2003
Last updated: November 11, 2003