Central Europe
In Germany and Austria the Star boys' singing has developed into a nationwide custom, where the children call on every door and are given sweets and money for Caritas charity projects - unusually in aid of poor children in Eastern European and developing countries.
A tradition in most of Central Europe involves writing the initials of the three kings' names above the main door of the home to confer blessings on the occupants for the New Year. For instance if the year is 2009, it would together with the initials CMB be "20 + C + M + B + 09". The initials was in earlier folkloristic literature interpreted as the names of the Three Wise Men, but is probably a Latin phrase; "Christus mansionem benedicat" (= May Christ bless this house). In Catholic parts of Germany and in Austria, this is done by the Star boys, called Sternsinger (literally "Star singers"). After having sung their songs, recited their poems, and collected donations at a front door they will chalk the initials on the top of the door frame.
In Kashubia the Star boys' (Trzej królowie) singing is a custom.
Read more about this topic: Star Boys' Singing Procession
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—Children and Their Primary Schools, vol. 1, ch. 3, Central Advisory Council for Education, London (1967)
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