It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Christmastide. (Discuss)

This article is about the religious period from Christmas to Epiphany. For the popular Christmas song, see The Twelve Days of Christmas (song).

The Twelve Days of Christmas and the associated evenings of those twelve days (Twelve-tide), are the festive days beginning the evening of Christmas Day (December 25) through the morning of Epiphany on (January 6). The associated evenings of the twelve days begin on the evening before the specified day. Thus, the first night of Christmas is December 25–26, and Twelfth Night is January 5–6. This period is also known as Christmastide. Image File history File links Merge-arrow. ... Christmastide (also Christmas or the Christmas season) is one of the seasons of the liturgical year of some Christian churches. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... Twelfth Night is a holiday in some branches of Christianity marking the coming of the Epiphany, concluding the Twelve Days of Christmas, and is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as the evening of the fifth of January, preceding Twelfth Day, the eve of the Epiphany, formerly the last day... The Wise Men (Magi) adoring the infant Jesus. ... The Twelve Days of Christmas is an English Christmas carol which enumerates a series of grandiose gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas. ... Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... The Wise Men (Magi) adoring the infant Jesus. ... Twelfth Night is a holiday in some branches of Christianity marking the coming of the Epiphany, concluding the Twelve Days of Christmas, and is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as the evening of the fifth of January, preceding Twelfth Day, the eve of the Epiphany, formerly the last day... Christmastide (also Christmas or the Christmas season) is one of the seasons of the liturgical year of some Christian churches. ...

Over the centuries, differing churches and sects of Christianity have changed the actual traditions, time frame, and their interpretations. St. Stephen's Day, for example, is December 26 in the Western Church and December 27 in the Eastern Church. December 26 is Boxing Day in the United Kingdom and some of its former colonies; December 28 is Childmas or the Feast of the Innocents. Currently, the 12 days and nights are celebrated in widely varying ways around the world. For example, some give gifts only on Christmas night, some only on Twelfth Night, and some each of the 12 nights. What remains constant is celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25th, and a period of twelve days and nights following leading to Epiphany. Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is... St Stephens Day, or the Feast of St Stephen, is a Christian saints day celebrated on 26 December in the Western Church and 27 December in the Eastern Church. ... Boxing Day is a public holiday observed in many Commonwealth countries on 26 December. ... The Holy Innocents by Giotto di Bondone. ...

A Tortell de Reis
This size, approx. 50 cm diameter, usually serves 8 people.
This pastry is just one of the many types baked around the world for celebrations during the 12 Days of Christmas and Twelfth Night.

Catalan tortell de reis File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Catalan tortell de reis File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Tortell (Catalan [turteλ]) is a Catalan typically O-shaped pastry stuffed with marzipan, that on some special occasions is topped with glazed fruit. ... This article is about the unit of length. ...

Festival

Festival origin

The Twelve Days of Christmas as a celebration and festival is old and steeped in traditions from Christian cultures around the tipee. For many, the idea of the 12 days as a length of celebration is based on a sequence of verses in the Holy Bible (Matthew 2:1-12), and a belief that it may have taken 12 days for the three kings (also called wise men or magi) to travel to Bethlehem. The Bible (From Greek βιβλια—biblia, meaning books, which in turn is derived from βυβλος—byblos meaning papyrus, from the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos which exported papyrus) is the sacred scripture of Christianity. ... The Gospel of Matthew (literally, according to Matthew; Greek, Κατά Μαθθαίον or Κατά Ματθαίον, Kata Maththaion or Kata Matthaion) is a synoptic gospel in the New Testament, one of four canonical gospels. ... Arabic بيت لحم Name Meaning House of Lambs Government City (from 1995) Also Spelled Beit Lahm (officially) Bayt Lahm (unofficially) Governorate Bethlehem Population 29,930 (2006) Jurisdiction 29,799 dunams (29. ...

Over the centuries, differing churches and sects of Christianity have changed the actual traditions, time frame, and their interpretations. Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is...

Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages this period was one of continuous feasting and merrymaking, which climaxed on Twelfth Night, the traditional end of the Christmas season. Twelfth Night itself was forever solidified in popular culture when William Shakespeare used it as setting for one of his most famous stage plays. The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... Christmastide (also Christmas or the Christmas season) is one of the seasons of the liturgical year of some Christian churches. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Twelfth Night has at least three meanings: Twelfth Night (holiday), celebrated by some Christians Twelfth Night, or What You Will, a comedic play by William Shakespeare Twelfth Night (band), a progressive rock band This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share...

In that time of the twelve days of Christmas, pagan traditions were often combined with the religious roots of the festival^{[citation needed]} (as was the case for all seasonal holidays and feasts).^{[citation needed]} Traditional roles were often relaxed, masters waited on their servants, men were allowed to dress as women, and women as men^{[citation needed]}. Often a Lord of Misrule was chosen to lead the Christmas revels^{[citation needed]}. Some of these traditions were adapted from the older pagan customs, including the Roman Saturnalia.^{[citation needed]} Some also have an echo in modern day pantomime where traditionally authority is mocked and the principal male lead is played by a woman, while the leading older female character, or 'Dame' is played by a man. Often the Dame would be depicted playing sexually explicit roles.^{[citation needed]} Pagan and heathen redirect here. ... The Lord of Misrule, known in Scotland as the Abbot of Unreason and in France as the Prince des Sots, was an officer appointed by lot at Christmas to preside over the Feast of Fools. ... Pagan and heathen redirect here. ... A head of Minerva found in the ruins of the Roman baths in Bath Roman mythology, the mythological beliefs of the people of Ancient Rome, can be considered as having two parts. ... For other uses, see Saturnalia (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Pantomime (disambiguation). ...

Colonial America

The original American colonists brought their version of the Twelve Days over from England, and adapted them to their new country, adding their own variations over the years. For example, it is believed by many that the modern day Christmas wreath originated with these colonials. A homemade wreath would be fashioned from local greenery, and if fruits were available, they were added. Making the wreaths was one of the traditions of Christmas Eve, then they would be hung on each home's front door beginning on Christmas night (1st night of Christmas) through Twelfth Night or Epiphany morning. As was already the tradition in their native England, all decorations would be taken down by Epiphany morning, and the remainder of the edibles would be consumed. A special cake was also baked then for Epiphany (which some now call the king cake). The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ... Le gâteau des Rois, by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, 1774 (Musée Fabre) A king cake (sometimes rendered as kingcake) is a type of cake associated with Carnival traditions. ...

Modern United States

With the onset of more Americanized and secular traditions throughout the past two centuries (such as the American "Santa Claus", popularity of Christmas Eve itself as a holiday, and rise in popularity of New Year's Eve parties as well), the traditions of the Twelve Days of Christmas have been largely forgotten in the U.S. This is also heightened by the commercial practice to have "After-Christmas Sales" begin on December 26th and run usually until New Year's Eve. A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ... The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ... For other articles with similar names, see New Year (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... For other articles with similar names, see New Year (disambiguation). ...

However, a small percentage of Christians of many sects have held on to their own favorite ways to celebrate, and those who choose to also have their own church to guide them in a spiritual way of marking this reverent holiday. Americans who celebrate various ways include secular Christians of all backgrounds, religious Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and those of the Amish and Mennonite communities. Eastern Orthodoxy (also called Greek Orthodoxy and Russian Orthodoxy) is a Christian tradition which represents the majority of Eastern Christianity. ... This article is about Old Order Amish, but also refers to other Amish sects. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      The...

Today, some celebrants give gifts each of the twelve days, feast and otherwise celebrate the entire time through to Epiphany morning. Lighting a candle for each day has become a modern tradition in the U.S., and of course, singing the appropriate verses of the famous song each day is also an important and fun part of the American celebrations. The Twelve Days of Christmas is an English Christmas carol which enumerates a series of grandiose gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas. ...

Some still celebrate Twelfth Night as the biggest night for parties and gift-giving, and some also light a Yule Log on the first night (Christmas), and let it burn some each of the twelve nights. Some Americans also have their own traditional foods to serve each night. For other uses, see yule log (disambiguation) A chocolate yule log. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ...

As in olden days, Twelfth Night to Epiphany morning is then the traditional time to take down the Christmas tree and decorations.

Modern celebrations in the UK

Many in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations still celebrate some aspects of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Boxing Day is a national holiday in many Commonwealth nations, being the first full day of Christmas. Victorian-era stories by Charles Dickens (and others), particularly A Christmas Carol, hold key elements of the celebrations such as the consumption of plum pudding, roasted goose, and wassail. While these foods are consumed more at the beginning of the Twelve Days in the UK, some dine and dance in the traditional way throughout, all the way to Twelfth Night. Some use William Shakespeare's play by that same name (written around 1601) as an inspiration. The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2007 Headquarters Marlborough House, London, UK Official languages English Membership 53 sovereign states Leaders  -  Queen Elizabeth II  -  Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma Appointed 24 November 2007 Establishment  -  Balfour Declaration 18 November 1926   -  Statute of Westminster 11 December 1931   -  London Declaration 28 April 1949  Area  -  Total... Boxing Day is a public holiday observed in many Commonwealth countries on 26 December. ... Dickens redirects here. ... For other uses, see A Christmas Carol (disambiguation). ... Christmas pudding is the dessert traditionally served on Christmas day in Britain and Ireland, as well as in some Commonwealth countries. ... Wassail is a hot, spiced punch often associated with winter celebrations of northern Europe, usually those connected with holidays such as Christmas, New Years and Twelfth Night. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ...

Modern celebrations in other nations

All countries with Roman Catholics have forms of celebrations for the Twelve Days of Christmas. The most popular remaining tradition in this century throughout the world is the cooking of the traditional foods to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. In some Latin countries, a tortell is baked: This is a traditional cake originating from the Catalonia region of Spain. The recipe varies from the American-style "king cake", but the meaning is the same. Similarly, in France (and French-speaking countries) a "Galette des Rois" (the tart for the (three) Kings) is baked with a bean or small china figure of the Christ-child inside - the person who finds it becomes "King" and wears a paper crown for the day. In Italy the tradition of "La Befana", whose name is taken from the word 'Epiphany', is very substantial and wide-spread. The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... Tortell (Catalan [turteλ]) is a Catalan typically O-shaped pastry stuffed with marzipan, that on some special occasions is topped with glazed fruit. ... This article is about the Spanish autonomous community. ... Le gâteau des Rois, by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, 1774 (Musée Fabre) A king cake (sometimes rendered as kingcake) is a type of cake associated with Carnival traditions. ... A galette is a savoury buckwheat crêpe, a type of pancake from the French region of Brittany. ... Befana of Campomarino di Maruggio (Italy) La Befana is a character in Italian folklore, similar to Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus. ...

In Latin America the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and Epiphany is the beginning of another religious-based season which has meshed with secular and pagan celebrations over time: That being "Carnaval" (or "Carnival") season, which concludes, in turn, on Mardi Gras Day. For other uses, see Mardi Gras (disambiguation). ...

References

Holidays Portal

• Christmas. Catholic Encyclopedia. Retrieved on December 22, 2005. Primarily subhead Popular Merrymaking under Liturgy and Custom.
• Christmas Trivia edited by Jennie Miller Helderman, Mary Caulkins. Gramercy, 2002
• Marix-Evans, Martin. The Twelve Days of Christmas. Peter Pauper Press, 2002
• Bowler, Gerry. The World Encyclopedia of Christmas. McClelland & Stewart, 2004
• Collins, Ace. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas. Zondervan, 2003
• Wells, Robin Headlam. Shakespeare's Humanism. Cambridge University Press, 2006
• Hoh, John L., Jr. 12 Days of Christmas: A Carol Catechism. Vancouver, BC: Suite 101 eBooks, 2001
• The Twelve Days of Christmas (A Carol Catechism - the website)