Twelfth Night : 5 January

Traditionally, people thought of Christmas as having 12 days.

The 12 days of Christmas began on what is now Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. They were the time for merry-making, which is why they began after the religious observances of Christmas were over. Six of the days fall in the year that is ending; the other six fall in the year that is coming.

Most work would stop during this time, giving everyone a break.

Twelfth Night actualy occurred on the evening of the 11th day, the 5th of January. The actual twelfth day of Christmas is called Epiphany.

Twelfth Night used to be a great deal of fun. Parties would be held, practical jokes played, and there would be feasting, singing, charades and dancing.

A Twelfth Night Cake was an integral part of the evening.

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