Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night, Jan. 5, the vigil or eve of Epiphany, so called because it is the 12th night from Christmas, counting Christmas as the first. In England, Twelfth Night has been a great festival marking the end of the Christmas season, and popular masquerading parties are typical entertainment.

---

Twelfth Night

a. the evening of Jan. 5, the eve of Twelfth Day, formerly observed with various festal celebrations

b. the evening of Twelfth Day itself

c. (as modifier): Twelfth-Night customs

---

Twelfth Night

January 5-6

The evening before Epiphany is called Epiphany Eve, or Twelfth Night, and it traditionally marks the end of the Christmas season, also called Twelfthtide in England. Since Twelfth Day is January 6, there is some confusion over exactly when Twelfth Night occurs, and it is often observed on the night of Epiphany rather than the night before.
Twelfth Night is an occasion for merrymaking, as reflected in Shakespeare's comedy, Twelfth Night . Celebrations reflect ancient Winter Solstice rites encouraging the rebirth of the New Year and also the Magis' visit to the Christ child.
Pageants held on this night typically include fantastic masked figures, costumed musicians, and traditional dances, such as the Abbots Bromley Antler Dance, or Horn Dance, in England. Customarily, the Twelfth Night cake is sliced and served and the man who gets the hidden bean and the woman the pea are the king ("King of the Bean" or "Lord of Misrule") and queen for the festivities.

SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 23
BkDays-1864, vol. I, pp. 55, 58
BkFest-1937, pp. 51, 119
DictDays-1988, p. 123
DictFolkMyth-1984, pp. 114, 137, 689, 856
EncyChristmas-2003, p. 760
FestSaintDays-1915, p. 14
FestWestEur-1958, p. 123
FolkAmerHol-1999, p. 27
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 22
OxYear-1999, pp. 19, 23, 40

Celebration days: Jan 5; Jan 6

Celebrated in: Andorra