Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is observed twelve days after Christmas, which can be either January 5 or 6, based on whether the count starts on Christmas Day or the day after. In this particular year, it will occur on January 5. This celebration heralds the arrival of Epiphany, a Christian feast with distinct interpretations in the Eastern and Western Churches. Interestingly, William Shakespeare crafted a play titled “Twelfth Night” to mark the conclusion of the Christmas season. Tradition suggests taking down Christmas decorations on this night to avert bad luck; however, if one forgets, it’s advised to keep them up until Candlemas on February 2 or the Twelfth Night of the next year.

History of Twelfth Night

The origins of Twelfth Night trace back to the Eastern Church, where it was initially celebrated to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. Known as the Eastern Orthodox Church, it has a significant presence in regions such as Western Asia, Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Balkans, and the Caucasus. However, as early as the second century, the birth of Christ was celebrated in Rome on December 25. By the fourth century, a council of Roman priests declared the twelve days of Christmas, spanning Christmas Day to Epiphany, as a sacred festive period. Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Historians suggest that aligning the Roman solar Julian calendar with the lunar calendars of the Eastern provinces was a motive behind this declaration.

In Tudor England, Candlemas on February 2 marked the end of the Christmas season, but this later shifted to the eve of Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night. The introduction of Epiphany in England led to a new season called Epiphanytide, spanning from January 5 or 6 to Candlemas. In colonial America, people traditionally removed Christmas decorations at the end of the twelve days and consumed any edible parts. On February 2, 1602, William Shakespeare staged “Twelfth Night or What You Will” in Middle Temple Hall, an event believed by many to have been intended as Twelfth Night entertainment.

Twelfth Night Timeline

• 354 A.D.: Romans begin celebrating Christmas on December 25.
• 4th Century: Roman priests officially recognize the twelve days of Christmas, from Christmas to Epiphany.
• 15th — 17th Century: The emergence of Epiphanytide in Tudor England following the introduction of Twelfth Night.
• 1602: Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night” is performed on Candlemas, February 2.

FAQs about Twelfth Night

Is Twelfth Night a bank holiday?No, Twelfth Night isn’t a bank holiday. It’s the night before Epiphany, also known as “Epiphany’s Eve,” and not a public holiday in most regions. Businesses operate as usual.

What happens on the 12th night of Christmas?Traditionally, people remove their Christmas trees and decorations to prepare for Epiphany.

Is the 12th night January 5 or 6?The date of Twelfth Night varies based on when your church starts counting — from Christmas Day or the day after. In England, the count starts on Christmas Day, making Twelfth Night January 5.

Twelfth Night Activities

• Host a Twelfth Night party: Celebrate with a king cake featuring a bean and a pea. Those who find them become the party’s king and queen, possibly hosting the next year’s event.
• Give gifts: Although it’s January, Twelfth Night is part of the Christmas season, a good time to exchange gifts with loved ones and friends.
• Perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night: Create a memorable evening by staging scenes from Shakespeare’s play, using your living room as the stage with family and friends as the audience.

Fascinating Facts about The Twelve Days of Christmas

• Originating as a children’s game, the song might have started as a memory and counting game for kids, according to scholars.
• A Catholic catechism tool, many believe the song served to teach British Catholics about their faith in 1700s England due to its structure and hidden meanings.
• Becoming music in the 20th century, Frederic Austin’s composition turned it into the well-known Christmas carol.
• Numerous parodies: The carol has seen parodies by famous personalities and characters like Winnie the Pooh, Bob Rivers, and Frank Sinatra.
• Purchasing all gifts would be costly, totaling up to $115,000 if one were to buy everything mentioned in the song.

Why We Love Twelfth Night

• Every culture celebrates differently: In New Orleans, it marks the start of Carnival, while in France, people enjoy ‘Gateau des Rois’ throughout January. In Ireland, statues of the Magi are placed in cribs.
• Twelfth Night extends Christmas: Contrary to common belief, Christmas extends to January 5 or 6, offering more time to enjoy Christmas carols and meals with family.
• An extra chance for gifts: Everyone loves receiving presents, and Twelfth Night offers a final opportunity to exchange them.

Upcoming Twelfth Night Dates

• 2022: January 5 (Wednesday)
• 2023: January 5 (Thursday)
• 2024: January 5 (Friday)
• 2025: January 5 (Sunday)
• 2026: January 5 (Monday)

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