Archdiocese of Bamberg witnesses high-profile vocalists accumulating considerable funds
The Three Kings Singing in Bamberg: A Tradition of Faith, Culture, and Charity
The Three Kings Singing, a cherished tradition in the Archdiocese of Bamberg, Germany, is set to return for its 68th edition around the upcoming New Year. This annual event, which has been a national tradition since 1959, is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith, culture, and community in Bamberg.
A Longstanding Tradition
Originating in medieval times, the tradition of the Three Kings Singing (Sternsingen) celebrates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, symbolizing the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. In Bamberg, this tradition has been deeply integrated into local Epiphany customs for many decades.
The children participating in the Sternsingen, dressed as the Three Wise Men, go from house to house, singing carols, blessing homes, and collecting donations for charitable causes. They wear crowns and carry a star representing the Star of Bethlehem, chanting and blessing homes with chalk inscriptions, such as "20*C+M+B+24" for the year 2024, which stands for "Christus mansionem benedicat" (Christ bless this house).
A Strong Example of Children's Rights
The 2025 Three Kings Singing action saw children and young people setting a strong example for children's rights through their commitment. The participants, accompanied by their youth and adult companions, were out and about in the first days of January, collecting a record sum of approximately 1.9 million euros in the Archdiocese of Bamberg alone.
A National Children's Charity Campaign
The Kindermissionswerk "Die Sternsinger" and the BDKJ are the nationwide carriers of the Three Kings Singing. Over the years, the action has raised over 1.4 billion euros nationwide, supporting projects in the areas of education, nutrition, health, child protection, emergency aid, pastoral tasks, and social integration.
The 2025 collection surpassed the 2024 collection, demonstrating the continued support for this significant charity campaign. The funds raised during the 2025 Three Kings Singing action will be sent to various projects, including those in Colombia and Kenya.
A Guiding Word for the Future
The guiding word for the 68th Three Kings Singing action is "School instead of Factory - Sternsingen against Child Labour". This motto underscores the commitment to ensuring a brighter future for children, free from exploitation and hardship.
The 68th Three Kings Singing action will be opened in the Archdiocese of Bamberg on 30 December 2025 in Pegnitz. Sternsinger groups from 357 parishes and institutions are expected to participate, continuing the tradition of active participation by children in the church community, teaching faith, solidarity, and responsibility.
The Three Kings Singing remains a vibrant expression of faith, culture, and social commitment that has thrived over centuries, continuing to foster community spirit and help vulnerable children globally.
- The Three Kings Singing event, a symbol of both faith and culture, encompasses fashion-and-beauty as the children participating in the tradition often wear extravagant costumes and ornate crowns.
- During the tradition, food-and-drink also plays a part as homes visited by the Sternsinger groups often offer treats or warm beverages to the young singers.
- Beyond Epiphany customs, the Three Kings Singing tradition extends to home-and-garden as the chalk inscriptions left by the Sternsinger are a common practice in many households.
- As the Three Kings Singing tradition evolves, it also touches upon relationships, with the event fostering camaraderie among the participants and strengthening connections within the community.
- In the spirit of charitable giving, the Three Kings Singing tradition shares similarities with shopping, as the collected funds are used to support various projects for children, both locally and abroad.
