Twelve Days of Christmas

The twelve days of Christmas, too: the Twelfth spanning the Christian calendar the period from Christmas Eve ( 25 December) until the morning of January 6 ( Epiphany ), and frequently associated in rural areas with traditions and legends.

Origins

The origins probably lie in the conversion of former Lunar calendar systems in the solar year, as they were spread throughout the Mediterranean (see Rauhnächte to calendar details). The twelve days of Christmas are rooted in a row throughout Christianity and its cultures. Over the centuries, myths, traditions, time frame and the interpretations have changed.

Currently, the twelve days of Christmas are celebrated in different ways around the world. Thus, by some only on Christmas Eve gifts made ​​by some only in the twelfth night ( on January 6 ). , And by some even in each of the twelve nights

The Holidays Through the Ages

In the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, this period was a time of celebration and merriment, which increased up to the Twelfth Night, the traditional end of the Christmas season.

During this period, Pagan traditions were often mixed with the religious roots of the festival (as it was in all seasonal celebrations and holidays of the case). The traditional roles were loosened, men served their servants, men were allowed to dress like women, and vice versa. Often a so-called Lord of the disorder was elected as the leader to lead the festivities. Some of these traditions have been derived from the older pagan customs, such as the Roman Saturnalia. Some also show in today's pantomime representations their tracks where traditionally authority is made a mockery of the leading actor is played by a woman and the elderly lady by a man.

In the American colonies

The original American colonists led her version of the Christmas holidays from England and adapted it to their new land by developing their own variations over the years. For example, one believes about that today's Christmas wreath in these times had its origin. It made ​​the wreath of leaves and fruits of self. The crafting itself was one of the traditions of Christmas Eve, after which the finished wreaths were attached to the front door, starting on Christmas Eve until Twelfth Night or the morning of Epiphany day. This was a tradition in England, and as there also any decoration was taken down again on the morning of January 6, and what was it still been edible, was consumed. From this period also the custom of the Epiphany cake baking on January 6.

In the United States

With the progression Americanized and not church traditions over the past two centuries (such as Santa Claus, the popularity of the Christmas holidays, or the rising popularity of New Year parties ) are mostly caught in the States in oblivion the twelve days of Christmas. However, holding a small proportion of Christians determined to celebrate this kind. In America, this includes Christians of various denominations; about Catholics, Orthodox, Amish and Mennonites.

Today, some of the celebrants give gifts on each of the twelve days and celebrate otherwise the whole time through to Epiphany. In the U.S., lighting a candle every day in that time has become a modern tradition. This also includes the singing of matching stanzas from the famous song The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Some groups still celebrate Twelfth Night as the most important in terms of festivities and gift delivery. Some ignite even a so-called Yule Log ( " Christmas tree" ) in the first Christmas night on a fire pit and let him continue to burn in each of the twelve nights a little. Some Americans also prepare a traditional meal, which is served every night.

As in ancient days, the time between the twelfth night and the following morning is considered the right time to remove the Christmas tree and the decorations.

In the United Kingdom

Many celebrations in the United Kingdom various aspects of the twelve days of Christmas, albeit in a more modern way. Throughout the United Kingdom, as in many other countries, the former British crown colonies (eg Canada, Australia) the so-called Boxing Day applies on December 26th as a national holiday, as it is the first full day of the Christmas season as it the old traditions prescribed.

England, which is considered as the country of origin of many popular Christmas songs, the tradition of singing Christmas holds in high esteem. The stories of the Victorian era (especially those of Charles Dickens were known, such as A Christmas Carol ) contain important key elements of the celebrations, which have been preserved to this day; some of them include traditional foods such as Christmas pudding, roast duck and the Wassail ( a fruit punch ) a. Usually, these meals are eaten more at the beginning of the Christmas season in the UK, but elsewhere the original custom is following, fed and danced all the time, right up to the twelfth night.

The name of William Shakespeare's play, Twelfth Night or What You Will is based on the Elizabethan custom, on the last night of the twelve days of Christmas to celebrate a great festival and perform a play.

Russia

In the Russian Orthodox Church, these twelve days ( Russian Святки / Swjatki ) fall between the Orthodox Christmas (7 January ) and the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord ( 19 January).

In other countries

In almost all countries with Catholic Christians customs exist that affect the parties to the twelve days of Christmas. In the Latin American countries Tortell is baked, a traditional cake, originally from Catalonia. The recipe differs in some respects from Epiphany cake, but the meaning is the same.

In Latin America, the end of The Twelve Days marks the beginning of a new religious time that had allied himself with secular and pagan celebrations over time: This refers to the time of Carnaval or Carnival, which in turn is completed with the Mardi Gras day.