Twelfth Night in United Kingdom

When did the Twelfth Night in United Kingdom start?

The first recorded date of Twelfth Night in United Kingdom being celebrated on January 5 was in the year 1582.

About Twelfth Night in United Kingdom Holiday

Twelfth Night, January 5, is an important holiday in many cultures around the world. It marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas, which start on Christmas Day and culminates in the celebration of the arrival of the three wisemen. For centuries, people have celebrated this holiday with music, dancing, feasting, and merriment.

In the Christian tradition, Twelfth Night marks the ending of the Nativity season, which is a time for spiritual reflection and peace-making. Twelfth Night marks the evening before Epiphany, which is the last day of celebrating the Nativity. Legend has it that on this night, the Wise Men saw the star that led them to find the baby Jesus. This special night, then, is a time to remember the momentous journey of the Magi and the miraculous birth of the Christ child.

Twelfth Night is also a time for festivities and merry-making. In some parts of the world, this is a time for celebrating with feasts, music, and holiday decorations. In other countries, this night is celebrated with rich cakes, bon fires, and spirited singing. Twelfth Night is a time to rejoice in the season of Christmas and to come together to celebrate a new year.

What Is Twelfth Night?

Twelfth Night is an ancient festival that is celebrated on the 5th of January annually – 12 days after Christmas. It marks the end of the Christmas calendar and includes a mixture of cultural activities. It is said to be steeped in tradition, with its origin passing back to the Middle Ages, though slightly different in its celebration from region to region in Europe.

History and Origin of Twelfth Night

Twelfth night has its roots in the Roman Festival of Saturnalia. This festival was a raucous celebration which included the selecting of a King or Lord of Misrule who ruled for the duration of the festival. As Christianity spread other religious customs were introduced alongside this celebration.

In medieval times, the festival was celebrated with feasts and performance of masques and mummers plays. Music, song and dance were most prominent alongside the decorations and dressing up. They also performed King and Queen of the Bean which is believed to be where our custom of putting a dried bean in the cake and whoever finds it in their slice, is named King.

By the end of 16th Century in England, the old custom of having a Christmas carnival was abolished because it was seen to be riotous and a distraction from religious sentiments. But the kings still celebrated the festival of twelfth night on the 5th of January until William III stopped the annual Twelfth Night celebrations in 1702 due to the cost and he was assassinated.

Significance and Meaning of Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is the night before the Epiphany (6th January) and it celebrates the coming of the Three Kings who came to deliver gifts to Baby Jesus. It is sometimes called Epiphany Eve. Epiphany is an important milestone in the Christian tradition which celebrates the revelation of God to man, making it very significant in Judeo-Christian religion.

The Twelfth Night is a reminder that Jesus and his divine journey to Earth, offering hope and redemption. In older times it was a perfect occasion to spend with family to enjoy social occasion with food and drinks, and to prepare for the next day celebration.

In England, it also marks the end of the Christmas season and the start of the New Year. The carnivals and festivities associated with the Twelfth Night also signify the start of freedom and liberation from the fasts and abstinence observed during the season of Christmas.

Traditions and Celebrations of Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is also known as the “Feast of Bacchus” and it has been a day for celebration ever since its inception in the middle ages. It is a time to let your hair down from the restrictions of the festive season and have some fun.

A traditional Twelfth Night party is usually celebrated with food, friends and family. The traditional British dish for the night is fruit cake or a Twelfth cake. The dried beans and a pea are mixed in the batter. When eaten, whoever gets the piece containing the dried bean or a pea is called “king” or “queen” for the evening.

Another popular celebration of the day includes Wassailing, which is a toast to health and fortune. It is similar to singing carols and is usually done by a group of people who visit houses and sing special songs for luck.

Games are also a major part of the celebration. Some popular Twelfth Night games include playing charades, betting on cards, singing carols, and telling the story of King Henry VIII.

Geographical Spread of Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is celebrated in different parts of the world, but the celebration of the Epiphany and its attendant customs can take different forms depending on a particular country’s cultural heritage and traditions.

In Mexico, the day is known as Epifanio. It is widely celebrated throughout Mexico and Latin America. The celebrations of this holiday involve processions, parades, performances and activities for children.

In Germany, the festivities on Twelfth Night are known as the “Feast of the Three Kings” which is celebrated with a festival in the city of Köln.

In Russia, the day is traditionally known as Epiphany, and Russians celebrate the day with a midnight mass and visit to the baptismal font for a purification ritual.

In Spain, the holiday is known as “Día de los Reyes” (Day of the Three Kings). It marks the day when the three Magi brought gifts to Baby Jesus. The children in Spain receive gifts, candy and money from the Three Magi who come bearing presents for children.

In Italy, the day is referred to as “Festa dei Re Magi” (Festival of Three Kings). It is celebrated with feasts, parades and fireworks.

Modern Day Observations of Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night remains an important holiday in many countries and is celebrated with feasting, gift-giving, and fun. Many churches hold special celebration services, and special plays, pageants, and musical events honor the meaning of the day throughout Europe.

In many parts of Europe and the UK, Twelve Days of Christmas-related recipes are given away as gifts to family and friends. Some recipes include Christmas fruitcake and Twelfth cake, the traditional British cake containing a dried bean and pea baked into a rich, spongy cake.

In the United States, Twelfth Night is mainly celebrated by reenacting nativity scenes or King and Queen of the Bean. It is usually common in schools and churches, and larger cities will often hold a parade or event to celebrate the holiday.

Interesting Facts and Trivia about Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is an old Christian tradition, that is celebrated in many countries across the world. In some countries, it is celebrated as Epiphany instead. Although the origin of the festival is Christian, many of the traditions have pagan roots.

Twelfth Night is so named because it marks the twelfth day after Christmas Day. The festival is associated with many superstitions such as finding the hidden bean in a Twelfth Cake will bring the eater luck in the following year.

In some countries, including Germany and the UK, it is traditional to take down all Christmas decorations on Twelfth Night. This is also thought to bring luck and prosperity in the new year.

In the United States, Twelfth Night is celebrated on January 5th since the celebration of Christmas has become a secular holiday celebrated by those of all religions and traditions.

Conclusion

Twelfth Night or Epiphany is a Christian festival that is celebrated annually on the 5th of January. It marks the end of the Christmas season and the start of the New Year. It is characterized by feasting, gift-giving, and fun and it has its roots in the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia and also celebrates the revelation of Jesus to mankind.

Today, Twelfth Night is celebrated with masquerades, King and Queen of the Bean, reenacting nativity scenes, and with food and drinks. Its observance can take different forms depending on countries, it is most widely celebrated in Mexico, Germany, Russia, Spain and Italy. From superstitions to interesting facts, Twelfth Night is definitely a celebration you don’t want to miss.

How to Say "Twelfth Night in United Kingdom" In Different Languages?