This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Twelfth Night (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Twelfth Night is observed on January 5th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Twelfth Night, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you need know about Twelfth Night.
📅 What day is Twelfth Night 2024?
In 2024, Twelfth Night is on Thursday, January 5th. It is the 1st Thursday in January; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the cool details and facts about January 5, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
Twelfth Night is a holiday that occurs every 12 days after Christmas, either on January 5 or 6. This year, it falls on January 5. It is significant because it marks the arrival of Epiphany, a Christian celebration that has different meanings in the Eastern and Western churches. Interestingly, William Shakespeare wrote a play called Twelfth Night to conclude the Christmas season. Some customs suggest that Christmas decorations should be taken down by December 12 to avoid bad luck. However, if you forget, it is recommended to keep them up until Candlemas on February 2 or until the next Twelfth Night.
📜 Twelfth Night History
In the fourth century, a group of priests in Rome decided to create a twelve-day celebration called Christmas, which included Christmas Day and the Epiphany. The Epiphany festival is a special day that remembers when the three wise men visited baby Jesus. It is said that one reason for this decision was to help synchronize the Roman calendar with the lunar calendars used in the eastern provinces.
In Tudor England, the Christmas season usually ended on Candlemas, which falls on February 2nd. However, this was later changed to the night before Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night. This change led to the establishment of a new season called Epiphanytide, which lasted from January 5th or 6th until Candlemas. In colonial America, it was customary to take down Christmas decorations at the end of the twelve days of Christmas and consume any edible parts of the decorations.
On February 2, 1602, William Shakespeare performed his play “Twelfth Night or What You Will” at Middle Temple Hall. Despite the date being Candlemas, many people believed that the play was intended for Twelfth Night entertainment.
✅ Twelfth Night Facts
🔖 Catholic catechism
In 18th century England, there was a belief among many individuals that a particular song served as a tool used by British Catholics to impart their religious teachings to their children. This perception was based on the song’s composition and the presence of undisclosed messages within it.
🔖 It became music in the 20th century
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” transformed into the popular Christmas carol that we know today after being composed by Frederic Austin.
🔖 It started as a children’s game
According to numerous historians, it is widely believed that the song originated as a game for children to enhance their memory and counting skills.
👍 Why Is Twelfth Night Important
Twelfth Night is celebrated differently in each culture throughout the world. It is the start of the Carnival season in New Orleans. People in France eat “Gateau des Rois” all month. In Ireland, the Three Kings sculptures are placed in the crib.
Contrary to popular belief, Christmas does not conclude on December 25. It lasts until January 5 or 6, depending on how you calculate it. It is beyond amazing that we can still celebrate some form of Christmas in January. You may still sing Christmas songs, exchange gifts, and have a delicious Christmas supper with your family.
Who doesn’t enjoy receiving gifts? We don’t believe anyone would refuse a gift if they were offered one. If you did not receive gifts from the first to the eleventh day of Christmas, this is your final chance.
🙂 How To Observe Twelfth Night
⚡ Act out Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
While it may be a bit over the top, it will definitely create a memorable Twelfth Night experience. You will need a stage, a cast, and stage crew to bring it to life. You don’t have to perform the entire play, just three to five scenes will do for your production. Your living room can serve as the stage, and your family and friends can be the audience.
⚡ Throw a Twelfth Night party
Host a traditional Twelfth Night celebration with a focus on the king cake. The king cake, adorned with a bean and a pea, would take center stage as the main attraction. The individuals lucky enough to find the slices with the hidden bean and pea would be crowned as the king and queen of the festivities. To add an interesting twist, the king and queen would then be responsible for hosting the following year’s Twelfth Night celebration.
⚡ Give gifts
Despite falling in January, Twelfth Night is still considered part of the Christmas season. Therefore, it is customary to exchange gifts with loved ones, friends, acquaintances, and neighbors to embrace the festive spirit.
📅 When is Twelfth Night?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | January 5 | Friday |
| 2025 | January 5 | Sunday |
| 2026 | January 5 | Monday |
| 2027 | January 5 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | January 5 | Wednesday |
See all 🔗 January holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Christian holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Twelfth Night. So be sure to check back soon.