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Date
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Jan
5

January 5

Twelfth Night

Turn tradition on its head this Twelfth Night! Revel in mischief, mistaken identities and unmatched romance that will keep you engrossed till the end!

Twelfth Night
Type
Day
Category
Religious
Country
International

Introduction

Mark your calendars for January 5, to celebrate the tradition of Twelfth Night! This historic festival is a grand close to the Christmas season, signifying the visit of the Three Wise Men or Magi to the baby Jesus. Heavily influenced by Tudor England, Twelfth Night is also famous for being the date when all Christmas decorations should be taken down. However, it's not all work and no play! Traditionally a night for merriment and revelry, Twelfth Night is often associated with Shakespeare's romantic comedy of the same name. Used as a plot device in the story, the holiday becomes a stage of comic chaos and fun-filled mishaps that have delighted audiences for centuries. So, go ahead and lose yourself in the festive spirit of Twelfth Night and the charming swirl of merry confusion!

Twelfth Night Timeline

567
Council of Tours Establishment
The Council of Tours established the period between Christmas and Epiphany as a sacred and festive season, paving the way for Twelfth Night celebrations.
1400s
Tudor Revelries
During the Tudor period in England, Twelfth Night was a time of lavish courtly celebrations, including feasts, plays, and masques.
1601
Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'
Shakespeare's play 'Twelfth Night, or What You Will' was written and performed, adding a layer of cultural significance to the holiday.
1700s
Twelfth Cake Tradition
The tradition of baking a special Twelfth Cake, containing a bean or a coin to crown the 'king' or 'queen' of the festivities, became popular in Britain.
1800s
Decline and Then Revival
Twelfth Night celebrations declined due to changing social customs, but saw a revival towards the end of the century largely due to Dickens' writings.
2003
Modern Celebrations
Twelfth Night is celebrated with a mix of religious ceremonies, public festivities, and private parties around the world, including a major production of Shakespeare's play in London.

How to Celebrate Twelfth Night

1

Host a costume party

In the spirit of Shakespeare's play, encourage guests to come dressed as characters from Twelfth Night. This can result in a fun, lighthearted atmosphere with plenty of mistaken identities and laughs to be had.

2

Have a cake-baking contest

Have a cake-baking contest in honour of the Twelfth Night Cake tradition. Invite your friends and family to showcase their baking prowess and crown the winner 'King' or 'Queen' of the evening!

3

Watch a "Twelfth Night" performance

Find a local theater that's showing "Twelfth Night", or if this isn't possible, host a movie night at home. Watch any of the several adaptations of the play and be swept away by the romantic comedy's charming chaos.

4

Create home-made decorations

Drawing inspiration from the twelve days of Christmas and the holiday season, create homemade decorations that can be used to adorn your house for the party. This can also be a fun activity to engage with kids.

5

Plan a feast with a medieval theme

To pay homage to its historic roots, plan a feast with a medieval theme for Twelfth Night. Research traditional fare of the era and recreate dishes like figgy pudding, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine to add an authenticity to your celebration.

Why We Love Twelfth Night

A

It's a Fun Tradition

Twelfth Night is steeped in tradition, from the historical and Biblical roots to the influence of Tudor England. It's not just about wrapping up the Christmas season, but about embracing a little chaos and fun inspired by Shakespeare's play. From costume parties to cake-baking contests, there's so much merry revelry to indulge in!

B

It Encourages Creativity and Festivity

The celebration of Twelfth Night gives us a chance to get creative - with costumes inspired by Shakespeare's characters, homemade decorations that celebrate the twelve days of Christmas, and even recreating traditional medieval fare for an authentic feast. These activities are not just entertaining but also create a festive and jovial atmosphere.

C

It Brings People Together

No tradition is as enjoyable without the company of friends and family. Twelfth Night is an excellent occasion for loved ones to come together, be it for a costume party, a cake-baking contest, or simply to watch a performance of "Twelfth Night". These shared experiences cultivate memories and bonds that last well beyond the festivities.