January 4, 2013

What Happened to the 12 Days of Christmas?

Joan Bakewell, Telegraph

Stop, stop, dear people! Wait another 24 hours until you dismantle that Christmas tree. The Twelfth Night of Christmas is the traditional date, though there is some debate as to whether that is the night of January 5 or January 6. In the Church’s year, it celebrates the visit of the three Magi to the infant Jesus, and thus as the presentation of the Messiah to the gentile world. But you don’t need to believe all that to enjoy the full rounded pleasure of 12 days’ celebration. Why cut it short?

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TAGGED: Holiday, Christmas

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