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C.M.B. are the initials of the three Wise Men named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. It is a custom in Poland, Czechoslovakia and Sweden for three boys to visit homes on the Epiphany. The initials C.M.B. are written over the doors of the homes and three crosses are drawn, also. This will bring good fortune in the new year to the people who live there.
In the New Testament St.Matthew mentions the Three Wise Men or Magi who followed the star to Bethlehem. The oldest, Mechoir (King of Arabia) had a long gray beard. He gave gold as a gift for Christ. Balthazar (King of Ethiopia) was also bearded. He brought the gift of frankincense. Caspar (King of Tarsus) who was the youngest brought the gift of myrrh. It is said that after the Magi returned home they gave their belongings to the poor and went out to spread the Good News. They died as martyrs.
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Christmas Traditions 
