As we limber up for the Christmas season, perhaps you’re struggling to find enthusiasm after dragging the tree from the loft, untangling the fairy lights, and arranging a thousand baubles accompanied by the excited whelps of little folks.
Maybe you’re doing your best to muster up a smidgen of Christmas cheer at the end of yet another tough year, rest easy because we have a tip for the ultimate in Christmas chic.
In recent years, the festive season seems to have started later and later. Last year, some people didn’t begin their celebrations until as late as December 22nd, leaving just a single day to prepare for Christmas. But this delay might not be such a bad thing — it may even have brought us closer to the traditions of Christmas Past.
Historically, the Twelve Days of Christmas began on December 25th. The country would come to a halt, and the festivities would officially begin. During this time, religious observance was mixed with feasting, games, and merriment, giving people a rare chance to relax from their usual obligations, including defending the realm.
Even in turbulent times, the season was held sacred. Take 1641, for instance. While much of the country celebrated peace and goodwill, political radical John Pym used the festive break to blindside King Charles I with a list of grievances — the Grand Remonstrance — triggering the events that led to the English Civil War. Riots spread through Westminster, but with MPs away from London celebrating Christmas, Pym seized the moment to launch his revolution.
Each day of the Twelve Days had its own significance. December 26th marked the Feast of St Stephen, December 27th honoured St John the Evangelist, and December 28th commemorated the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which remembers King Herod’s attempt to kill the infant Jesus. Historically, Christmas was twelve days of religious observation mixed with feasting and celebration. During this time, Englishmen were allowed to play games and take a break from their obligation to defend the realm.
The final days of Christmas are in celebration of the Magi, the arrival of the Three Kings. New Year’s Eve has no special religious relevance historically; in fact, its status was elevated by the Soviets, who wished to detract from Christianity. They even banned Christmas trees.
The well-loved carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, first officially published in 1780, is thought to carry hidden Christian symbolism. The Partridge in a Pear Tree, for example, is said to represent Jesus Christ, while the two Turtle Doves signify the Old and New Testaments. The three French Hens symbolise the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, and the four Calling Birds represent the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Why not bring these traditions to life with a culinary twist? Pair each day with a themed dish. Start with Spiced Pears for Day 1, Coq au Vin for Day 3, and perhaps end with Twelve Chicken Drumsticks — a simple finish after all that effort in the kitchen!
With the children still off school on January 5th, it would seem to me that the Twelve Days have returned. Tradition dictates a party or feast must be held on the eve of the 5th, with Epiphany on the 6th. This would be the time for your Twelfth Night Cake, traditionally decorated with fondant swans. Shakespeare was even commissioned to write Twelfth Night for the court. The Lord of Misrule, appointed at the beginning of Christmas to oversee entertainment, will, at midnight on the 5th, hang up his hat for another year.
So why not go out with a bang this Christmas? Revive the ancient tradition of Twelfth Night with food, fun, and festivities. By the time the corks are back in the bottles and the decorations come down, dull January will be nearly a third over, and Spring will feel just that little bit closer. And that, surely, is a good thing.
Cheers!
By Rachael Tearney.
Follow Rachel at @WritesRachael
