January 6th is a date that has a special meaning in many Christian communities around the world. On this day we celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings, also known as Epiphany or Epiphany. But what exactly is celebrated on this day, and how is the festive activity of the star singers connected to it?
The Three Kings
The origin of this holiday goes back to the biblical story of the wise men from the East, often known in the Christian tradition as Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
These wise men, also called magi or kings, followed a star that led them to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. The New Testament tells in Matthew 2:1-12 how they worshiped Jesus as the "King of the Jews" and offered him gifts of great value - gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Connection between the star singers and the Three Kings
In Germany, the Star Singers campaign is organized and coordinated primarily by the children's missionary organization "Die Sternsinger" and the Association of German Catholic Youth (BDKJ). The Star Singers campaign is known as the "Three Kings' Singing Campaign" and is considered one of the largest solidarity campaigns by children for children worldwide.
The organization and implementation of the Star Singers campaign often begins at the level of the local parish. Children and young people are invited to take part in the campaign. Preparations take place months before Epiphany, including dressing the Star Singers, rehearsing songs and blessings, and information events about the projects for which money is being collected.
Those responsible in the parishes, often volunteers, catechists or pastoral assistants, ensure that the star singers are well prepared and have all the necessary materials. They also coordinate the routes that the star singers will walk on the days around January 6th, as well as the proper collection and forwarding of donations to the headquarters of the Children's Mission Society.
The funds collected are then used for projects around the world to support education, healthcare, food security and other aid programs for children. In addition to the charitable aspect, the Sternsinger campaign also conveys values such as compassion, community and the need to support socially weaker members of society.
The tradition of the star singers reflects this journey. Children and young people, often in groups of three representing the Three Kings, go from house to house around Epiphany dressed up and carrying a star as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem. This practice symbolizes the announcement of the birth of Christ and the offering of gifts.
Free carol singers coloring page - Coloring page Three Kings