The twelve days refers to the twelve festive days after Christmas that is from 26th December to the 6th January. Celebrated since medieval times it started on the day after Christmas as Christmas day traditionally was considered holy and not for ‘partying'. The 12 days were filled with merry-making and continuous feasting. It was once a most welcomed break for the workers where all work accept for looking after animals would stop and restart again on ‘Plough Monday' the first Monday after the Twelfth night. Traditionally a Yule log was kept alight for these 12 days and was considered a bad omen if it went out before time!

During the twelve days it was popular for people to visit each other with traditional minced pies. A Lord of Misrule was appointed and role reversals were common. For example masters would serve their slaves and even slaves could hold a public position during the 12 days.

A popular 18th century tradition was called the ‘Twelfth Night'. On the twelfth night people would disguise themselves with animal masks and costumes while celebrations were rife! Often pantomimes were performed which mocked the traditional authority where rules were turned upside down! Another tradition rose on this night where men dressed as women and women dressed as men! Celebrations were always followed with the eating of a ‘Twelve Night Cake' in which the person who found a pea (specially baked into the pie) in their slice was deemed King or Queen and were waited on with much delight!

Later evolved the game known as ‘charades' played out on the Twelfth Night. It is believed to have arisen out of these earlier fun celebrations. Cards were presented and you had to act out over the Twelfth Night the character on your card.

Twelfth Night Practical Jokes! Particularly in England during the 18th century they loved to play practical jokes which became a much loved tradition on the Twelfth Night. You may recall the children's verse ‘Four and Twenty Black Birds Baked in a Pie' which is related to a famous English practical joke commonly played during this time. Presented to guests on their plates were pie cases with live birds hidden inside. To the much surprised guests once they opened the crusts the birds began to sing then fly off. I think it is good that this particular joke is no longer practiced as it is not kind to the birds to encase them even if it was only for a short time - it is not humane behavior.

Unfortunately today the Twelfth Night celebrations are no longer practiced and are a faint memory now part of history. The Twelve Night is more commonly known today for putting away one's Christmas tree and decorations and a holy day of celebration for the Three Kings who it is said took twelve days to find the baby Jesus.