Twelfth Night (holiday)

Wassailing at Maplehurst, West Sussex 2

Tortell

First Folio

Twelfth Night is a festival in some branches of Christianity marking the coming of the Epiphany and concluding the Twelve Days of Christmas. It is observed on January 5th or January 6th, depending on the Christian tradition followed. The night before Epiphany is often celebrated with special foods, singing, and in some cultures, the addition of a king and a queen to preside over festivities. Twelfth Night has been an important part of Christmas traditions worldwide, with its customs and practices varying significantly across different cultures.

Origins and History

The origins of Twelfth Night can be traced back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a period of revelry where social norms were relaxed. With the spread of Christianity, many of the Saturnalia customs were absorbed into the celebration of Christmas and the Epiphany. Twelfth Night specifically marks the end of the Christmas season, a time traditionally filled with feasting and merrymaking before the more solemn observance of the Epiphany.

Customs and Celebrations

Twelfth Night celebrations vary widely around the world. In some countries, it is a time for wassailing, a tradition involving singing and drinking to the health of trees in the hopes of ensuring a good harvest. In others, it is marked by the baking of a special cake, known as a King Cake or Twelfth Night cake, which contains a hidden bean or figurine. The person who finds the token is named the king or queen of the night's festivities.

In England, Twelfth Night was historically a time of merrymaking and social inversion, where traditional roles were often reversed, and the Lord of Misrule presided over the festivities. This tradition has largely faded, but some aspects, such as the Twelfth Night cake, remain.

Literary References

Twelfth Night is also the title of a famous comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602. The play incorporates many of the themes of the Twelfth Night holiday, including disguise, love, and festive revelry, and it is thought that it was originally performed as part of Twelfth Night celebrations.

Modern Observances

Today, Twelfth Night is celebrated in various forms around the world. In some places, it is seen as the official end of the Christmas season, with decorations taken down and the return to ordinary time. In others, it remains a day for parties and processions, such as the famous New Orleans Mardi Gras, which begins on Twelfth Night.

Controversies and Confusions

There is some confusion and debate over the exact date of Twelfth Night, with some traditions counting from Christmas Day and others from Boxing Day, leading to the observance on either January 5th or 6th. Additionally, the modern reduction of the Christmas season in some cultures has led to a decline in the observance of Twelfth Night as a distinct holiday.

Conclusion

Twelfth Night remains an important cultural and religious observance for many, a final farewell to the Christmas season and a celebration of the coming Epiphany. Its traditions and customs, while varied, reflect the rich tapestry of Christian festive practices and the enduring human love of celebration and revelry.