Thoughts to think about

I was listening to Christmas music and heard the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and thought what’s this song was really about. So, I did a little research this week and found out that there used to be celebrations that marked the hoildays starting on the 25 of December and ending on the second Sunday after Christmas, called Twelfth Night it was a time of revelry, feasting, and the ceremonial taking down of decorations. Which we know as the Twelve Days of Christmas.

The Twelve Days of Christmas use to be celebrated as follows:

Day 1 – Christmas Day, December 25th, is celebrated as the birth of Jesus, with the tradition of gift-giving mirroring the offerings of the Wisemen (kings or Magi).

Day 2 – December 26th, Boxing Day is a day of giving back. Originating from the act of providing boxes of food or money to the less fortunate. (December 26th is still called Boxing Day in England)

Day 3 – December 27th is the Feast of St. John, traditionally, it’s a time for communities to come together, light bonfires, and celebrate the enduring spirit of hope and illumination.

Day 4 – December 28th
Innocents’ Day. This day commemorates King Herod’s massacre of children. It’s also a reminder to protect and cherish our little ones and their innocents. This day invites us to reflect on how kindness and its impact can have on those around us.

Day 5 – December 29th, the Feast of St. Thomas, which honors the Apostle Thomas skepticism and eventual belief in the resurrection. The Feast of St. Thomas aids us in embracing our own traditions, connecting us to the past while forging a path of continuity for the future.

Day 6 – December 31st commemorates St. Egwin, a 7th-century bishop who is  renowned for his dedication to spiritual renewal and his efforts in promoting education, This day invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journey.

Day 7 – January 1st is New Year’s Day. It’s a time for resolutions, fresh starts, and a collective sense of renewal. Giving us the opportunity to embark on a new chapter, offering a blank page for us to script our aspirations, dreams, and goals for the coming year.

Day 8 – January 2nd brings St. Basil’s Day, commemorating St. Basil is known for his teachings on charity and compassion. This day is a reminder to nurture the spirit of benevolence. On this day and throughout the year, extend kindness to others, foster a sense of community, and goodwill.

Day 9 – January 3rd heralds the Festival of Mirth, a day dedicated to joy and laughter. This celebration encourages us to revel in the joyous atmosphere. The day should serve as a delightful interlude, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the mosaics of our holiday season.

Day 10 – On January 4th, we approach the Feast of the Epiphany Eve. This day sets the stage for the celebration of the Wisemen journey and their gifts to the child Jesus. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize homage, divinity, and sacrifice.

Day 11 – On January 5th, the Feast of the Epiphany: Revelation and Celebration.
This day marks the next to last day of the 12 Days of Christmas, culminating in the Feast of the Epiphany. This day commemorates the visit of the Wisemen (Kings, or Magi) to the newborn Jesus. Bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolizing homage, divinity, and sacrifice.

Day 12 – Twelfth Night: Culmination of Revelry: The second Sunday after Christmas, which concludes the 12 Days of Christmas celebration. Traditionally, it is  it is associated with Feast of Epiphany.

Note: [Epiphany is a Christian fest day commemorating the visit of the Wisemen, the Baptism of Jesus, and the Wedding at Cana the Christian fest day commemorating the visit of the Wisemen, the Baptism of Jesus, and the Wedding at Cana.]

Thought you’d be interested and liked to know.

D. Charles Wilson 12-25-2024

https://talesofchristmas.com/customs/exploring-the-rich-history-of-the-12-days-of-christmas/