Discovering the Origins and Traditions of Twelfth Night Through the Smithsonian Libraries

Uncovering the Mystery: The Origins of Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night, also known as Epiphany Eve, is a traditional Christian holiday that marks the end of the Christmas season. It falls on January 5th or 6th, depending on the denomination and location. The origins of Twelfth Night date back to the 4th century, when the Julian calendar was used in the Roman Empire. According to this calendar, the winter solstice occurred on December 25th, and the following twelve days were considered a period of celebration and feasting.

The name Twelfth Night refers to the twelfth day of Christmas, which is traditionally associated with gift-giving and merrymaking. In some European countries, such as Germany and Austria, children dress up as the Three Wise Men and go from house to house singing carols and collecting sweets. In other countries, such as Italy and Spain, people bake a special cake called “King’s Cake” or “Rosca de Reyes” and hide a small figure inside. The person who finds the figure is crowned the “king” or “queen” of the feast and must host the next year’s celebration.

In England, Twelfth Night has a long history of pageantry and theatrical performances. The earliest known reference to a Twelfth Night play dates back to 1386, when a record of the household expenses of King Richard II mentions payments to a group of actors who performed a play on Twelfth Night. The play, which was called a “mumming” or a “morris dance,” involved masked performers who danced and sang in front of the audience.

By the 16th century, Twelfth Night had become a major cultural event in England, with elaborate masques, banquets, and processions taking place at the royal court and in the homes of wealthy aristocrats. The most famous Twelfth Night celebration of this era was the Twelfth Night Revels of 1601, organized by the playwright Ben Jonson for the court of King James I. The festivities included a series of elaborate masques and dances, culminating in a grand banquet that featured a “cake of kings” and a “bean king” who was chosen by drawing lots.

The Role of Literature: Exploring the Foundational Texts of Twelfth Night

The tradition of Twelfth Night festivities continued into the 17th and 18th centuries, with Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night, or What You Will” becoming a popular entertainment for both the aristocracy and the general public. The play, which was first performed in 1602, tells the story of a young woman who disguises herself as a man and falls in love with her boss, who is mourning the loss of his twin sister. The play is a comedy of mistaken identity, gender roles, and social hierarchy, and has been adapted numerous times for stage and screen.

Today, Twelfth Night is celebrated in different ways around the world, reflecting local customs and beliefs. In some countries, such as Poland and Ukraine, people mark the occasion by taking a dip in an icy lake or river, symbolizing the purification of the soul. In other countries, such as France and Belgium, people light bonfires and eat pancakes or waffles, symbolizing the end of winter and the coming of spring.

Through the Smithsonian Libraries, we can explore the rich history and traditions of Twelfth Night, from its ancient roots in the Roman Empire to its modern-day manifestations around the world. Whether you are interested in art, literature, history, or anthropology, the Smithsonian Libraries offer a wealth of resources to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this fascinating holiday. So why not delve into the origins and traditions of Twelfth Night, and discover the magic and mystery of this timeless celebration?