Twelfth Night is a vibrant festival celebrated on the day of the Epiphany. According to Christian tradition, this is the day the Wise Men visited the baby Jesus. The holiday is marked by a rich variety of customs around the world, each reflecting unique cultural traditions.
History
Throughout history, Twelfth Night has been associated with magic and mystery. Folklore claims that on this night, the gates between worlds are open, and even mischievous spirits join the festivities. In some countries, the day after Twelfth Night is known as the “Day of Destiny”—it’s believed that the events and wishes of this day influence the year ahead. Many pagan customs have survived, such as caroling, masquerades, and costumes. Some regions, like Sicily, even believe that orange trees bloom on this night as a sign of miracles.
The Roman church council officially established the Epiphany celebration in the 4th century, partly to align the Julian and lunar calendars. William Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night was written as entertainment for this celebration. The play was first performed in 1602, and its themes reflect the spirit of revelry and reversal common to Twelfth Night traditions.
Interesting Facts
Traditions for Twelfth Night include:
- In Ireland, figurines of the Three Kings are placed in nativity scenes;
- In colonial America, the Christmas wreath was taken down from the door;
- In the Eastern Alps, 200–300 young people parade through the streets, making noise with whips and bells to drive away evil spirits;
- In the Netherlands, the church forbids noisy celebrations on this night.
How to Take Part
Explore the history and stories behind Twelfth Night by reading literature about the festival. Give gifts to loved ones—January is still considered part of the Christmas season in many cultures! For a fun activity, gather friends and stage a performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night—assign roles and bring the play to life together.
When is Twelfth Night in 2026?
Twelfth Night is observed on January 5 each year.
Observations
| Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
| Monday | January | 5 | 2026 |
| Tuesday | January | 5 | 2027 |
| Wednesday | January | 5 | 2028 |
| Thursday | January | 5 | 2029 |
