In Old England, The Twelfth Night marked the end of the winter festival that started on Samhain. The Lord of Misrule symbolizes the world turning upside down with the coming of winter. In the middle ages, the Twelfth Night began on the eve of December 25th moving forward 12 days to January 6th, hence the name the twelve days of Christmas.
The Twelfth Night festival marked the onset of the winter solstice, the point in late December when the sun, whose daily arc had reached its lowest, darkest, coldest point, began its rise toward the longer, warmer days and the coming of spring. On December 25th, the ceremonial Yule log was hauled in to start the hearth fire around which its members and visitors would gather throughout the rest of the Christmas festival days.
Twelfth Night was the final frenzy of feasting, drinking and merry making before the townspeople returned to daily life for the remainder of winter. A grand cake was the focus of the celebratory feast as well as Wassail, Fig Pudding and other generous tasty handmade dishes.
In the ancient times of the Roman Saturnalia, the “king of the feast” was elected by beans, and the Twelfth Night cakes included a bean–or, later, a ring or coin. Whoever was given the slice with the prize became the queen and king for the night and much parading and merriment followed.
In the church calendar, Twelfth Night is the evening before Epiphany (January 6). Because the three wise men (or kings) arrived in Bethlehem bearing gifts for the infant Jesus, Epiphany is also called Three Kings Day and a traditional time of gift giving.
Sources: White Magick Alchemy and Almanac.com
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very informative website, now all i need to find is an old Luna calender.I came here as today its Friday 13th and also Ive just seen the fullmoon settiing at 0735a.m. so it must mean something!Ive earmarked this remarkable website, I also have a co-incidance, I a long time ago, had a spriti guide whom I chose to name as twofeathers, as he wore two feathers in his headband. Unfortunatly I lost him, when I started researching paganism and hedge witchery.I was just giving up, yet again, and found this wonderful website, many thanks
You’re welcome. I’m so glad it is helpful to you. Very interesting about your spirit guide! I will do some research and if I find an old Luna calendar, I’ll post it here.