Here we are on the 5th of January, which is the eve of the Epiphany, and so the end of Chrismastide, and there's a picture of suitable jollity in the 18th century.
In England Twelfth Night used to be one of the main seasonal feast days. After the Reformation less attention was paid to the feast of the Epiphany so Twelfth Night could be free of the religious connotations of Christmas Day. It was a time for dancing, singing, drinking and mumming, often with bawdy overtones.
A Twelfth Night Cake was an important feature, and the more ornately decorated the better. This traditions continues in other countries that do celebrate the Epiphany as a "Three King Cake."
There's a great blog about Twelfth Night here
And a variety of recipes for the cakes here
Twelfth Night is also the last day for the Christmas decorations, including the mistletoe bough, so if it's been heavily laden with berries and there are plenty left, lots of kissing is required. On the 6th it must all come down. We'll be taking ours down tomorrow. Never say you've already taken down yours!
All best wishes for 2014.
Cheers,
Jo
Yes Jo, I took my decorations down today, 6th January in Australia. I hope the time zone isn’t noticed by the decorations police! Thats it for another year. I love the decorations and traditions associated with Christmas. Now the decorations are down the house looks so bare. Also, even though we have a plastic tree (it lasts better than a real one in our climate), I will be finding tinsel and bits of tree every time I clean for the next 11 months or so. So Christmas is will us all year.
I am looking forward to your new book. Already ordered.
Yes Jo, I took my decorations down today, 6th January in Australia. I hope the time zone isn’t noticed by the decorations police! Thats it for another year. I love the decorations and traditions associated with Christmas. Now the decorations are down the house looks so bare. Also, even though we have a plastic tree (it lasts better than a real one in our climate), I will be finding tinsel and bits of tree every time I clean for the next 11 months or so. So Christmas is will us all year.
I am looking forward to your new book. Already ordered.
Yes Jo, I took my decorations down today, 6th January in Australia. I hope the time zone isn’t noticed by the decorations police! Thats it for another year. I love the decorations and traditions associated with Christmas. Now the decorations are down the house looks so bare. Also, even though we have a plastic tree (it lasts better than a real one in our climate), I will be finding tinsel and bits of tree every time I clean for the next 11 months or so. So Christmas is will us all year.
I am looking forward to your new book. Already ordered.
Yes Jo, I took my decorations down today, 6th January in Australia. I hope the time zone isn’t noticed by the decorations police! Thats it for another year. I love the decorations and traditions associated with Christmas. Now the decorations are down the house looks so bare. Also, even though we have a plastic tree (it lasts better than a real one in our climate), I will be finding tinsel and bits of tree every time I clean for the next 11 months or so. So Christmas is will us all year.
I am looking forward to your new book. Already ordered.
Yes Jo, I took my decorations down today, 6th January in Australia. I hope the time zone isn’t noticed by the decorations police! Thats it for another year. I love the decorations and traditions associated with Christmas. Now the decorations are down the house looks so bare. Also, even though we have a plastic tree (it lasts better than a real one in our climate), I will be finding tinsel and bits of tree every time I clean for the next 11 months or so. So Christmas is will us all year.
I am looking forward to your new book. Already ordered.
Sunny Florida not so sunny; weather made this the Gray Chrissmuss. A virus too helped smother the spirit. Been taking down decorations one section at a time. Began the tree today Jan 5. I always leave a small box with a quote from Christmas Carol on a shelf.
Sunny Florida not so sunny; weather made this the Gray Chrissmuss. A virus too helped smother the spirit. Been taking down decorations one section at a time. Began the tree today Jan 5. I always leave a small box with a quote from Christmas Carol on a shelf.
Sunny Florida not so sunny; weather made this the Gray Chrissmuss. A virus too helped smother the spirit. Been taking down decorations one section at a time. Began the tree today Jan 5. I always leave a small box with a quote from Christmas Carol on a shelf.
Sunny Florida not so sunny; weather made this the Gray Chrissmuss. A virus too helped smother the spirit. Been taking down decorations one section at a time. Began the tree today Jan 5. I always leave a small box with a quote from Christmas Carol on a shelf.
Sunny Florida not so sunny; weather made this the Gray Chrissmuss. A virus too helped smother the spirit. Been taking down decorations one section at a time. Began the tree today Jan 5. I always leave a small box with a quote from Christmas Carol on a shelf.
I read your post, and was immediately intrigued by the Twelfth Night cakes, of course. *G* Yes, the tree came down and the lights are out of the windows. Like Jenny, we expect to be finding tinself for many months to come. (Distribution was enthusiastically aided by the cats.) It was great fun to put the decorations up, but now we’re ready for simplicity again. Till next Christmas!
I read your post, and was immediately intrigued by the Twelfth Night cakes, of course. *G* Yes, the tree came down and the lights are out of the windows. Like Jenny, we expect to be finding tinself for many months to come. (Distribution was enthusiastically aided by the cats.) It was great fun to put the decorations up, but now we’re ready for simplicity again. Till next Christmas!
I read your post, and was immediately intrigued by the Twelfth Night cakes, of course. *G* Yes, the tree came down and the lights are out of the windows. Like Jenny, we expect to be finding tinself for many months to come. (Distribution was enthusiastically aided by the cats.) It was great fun to put the decorations up, but now we’re ready for simplicity again. Till next Christmas!
I read your post, and was immediately intrigued by the Twelfth Night cakes, of course. *G* Yes, the tree came down and the lights are out of the windows. Like Jenny, we expect to be finding tinself for many months to come. (Distribution was enthusiastically aided by the cats.) It was great fun to put the decorations up, but now we’re ready for simplicity again. Till next Christmas!
I read your post, and was immediately intrigued by the Twelfth Night cakes, of course. *G* Yes, the tree came down and the lights are out of the windows. Like Jenny, we expect to be finding tinself for many months to come. (Distribution was enthusiastically aided by the cats.) It was great fun to put the decorations up, but now we’re ready for simplicity again. Till next Christmas!
My decorations will come down this evening. Bad luck but also a timing thing. I got busy with going out with friends last evening.
Work is going to take on a new cycle, with a lot of impending dates–21 January, a February conference, and 5 April. By year’s end, I may have a new job. A little frightening but also a new challenge.
My decorations will come down this evening. Bad luck but also a timing thing. I got busy with going out with friends last evening.
Work is going to take on a new cycle, with a lot of impending dates–21 January, a February conference, and 5 April. By year’s end, I may have a new job. A little frightening but also a new challenge.
My decorations will come down this evening. Bad luck but also a timing thing. I got busy with going out with friends last evening.
Work is going to take on a new cycle, with a lot of impending dates–21 January, a February conference, and 5 April. By year’s end, I may have a new job. A little frightening but also a new challenge.
My decorations will come down this evening. Bad luck but also a timing thing. I got busy with going out with friends last evening.
Work is going to take on a new cycle, with a lot of impending dates–21 January, a February conference, and 5 April. By year’s end, I may have a new job. A little frightening but also a new challenge.
My decorations will come down this evening. Bad luck but also a timing thing. I got busy with going out with friends last evening.
Work is going to take on a new cycle, with a lot of impending dates–21 January, a February conference, and 5 April. By year’s end, I may have a new job. A little frightening but also a new challenge.
January 6th is the right day to take down the decorations. Twelfth Night is the last opportunity to enjoy them. 🙂
I miss the glitter when they come down.
January 6th is the right day to take down the decorations. Twelfth Night is the last opportunity to enjoy them. 🙂
I miss the glitter when they come down.
January 6th is the right day to take down the decorations. Twelfth Night is the last opportunity to enjoy them. 🙂
I miss the glitter when they come down.
January 6th is the right day to take down the decorations. Twelfth Night is the last opportunity to enjoy them. 🙂
I miss the glitter when they come down.
January 6th is the right day to take down the decorations. Twelfth Night is the last opportunity to enjoy them. 🙂
I miss the glitter when they come down.
I didn’t know you’ll had dull weather in Florida, Artemisia. That’s not right! Hugs on the virus.
What quote do you keep?
I didn’t know you’ll had dull weather in Florida, Artemisia. That’s not right! Hugs on the virus.
What quote do you keep?
I didn’t know you’ll had dull weather in Florida, Artemisia. That’s not right! Hugs on the virus.
What quote do you keep?
I didn’t know you’ll had dull weather in Florida, Artemisia. That’s not right! Hugs on the virus.
What quote do you keep?
I didn’t know you’ll had dull weather in Florida, Artemisia. That’s not right! Hugs on the virus.
What quote do you keep?
As you see above, Mary Jo, simplicity isn’t really my thing.*G* I enjoy the excuse to go overboard on primary colours and glittering gold!
As you see above, Mary Jo, simplicity isn’t really my thing.*G* I enjoy the excuse to go overboard on primary colours and glittering gold!
As you see above, Mary Jo, simplicity isn’t really my thing.*G* I enjoy the excuse to go overboard on primary colours and glittering gold!
As you see above, Mary Jo, simplicity isn’t really my thing.*G* I enjoy the excuse to go overboard on primary colours and glittering gold!
As you see above, Mary Jo, simplicity isn’t really my thing.*G* I enjoy the excuse to go overboard on primary colours and glittering gold!
I hope 2014 goes splendidly for you,Shannon. 🙂
I hope 2014 goes splendidly for you,Shannon. 🙂
I hope 2014 goes splendidly for you,Shannon. 🙂
I hope 2014 goes splendidly for you,Shannon. 🙂
I hope 2014 goes splendidly for you,Shannon. 🙂
I have gradually taken down my decorations over the past couple of days. The tree came down last, but I always keep my mantel decorations up through Epiphany. They consist of three large wise men on camels with gold and jewels. With a large gold and deep brown accented wreath above, it is a striking statement for the holidays.
I look forward to checking out the cake recipes. Thanks Jo
I have gradually taken down my decorations over the past couple of days. The tree came down last, but I always keep my mantel decorations up through Epiphany. They consist of three large wise men on camels with gold and jewels. With a large gold and deep brown accented wreath above, it is a striking statement for the holidays.
I look forward to checking out the cake recipes. Thanks Jo
I have gradually taken down my decorations over the past couple of days. The tree came down last, but I always keep my mantel decorations up through Epiphany. They consist of three large wise men on camels with gold and jewels. With a large gold and deep brown accented wreath above, it is a striking statement for the holidays.
I look forward to checking out the cake recipes. Thanks Jo
I have gradually taken down my decorations over the past couple of days. The tree came down last, but I always keep my mantel decorations up through Epiphany. They consist of three large wise men on camels with gold and jewels. With a large gold and deep brown accented wreath above, it is a striking statement for the holidays.
I look forward to checking out the cake recipes. Thanks Jo
I have gradually taken down my decorations over the past couple of days. The tree came down last, but I always keep my mantel decorations up through Epiphany. They consist of three large wise men on camels with gold and jewels. With a large gold and deep brown accented wreath above, it is a striking statement for the holidays.
I look forward to checking out the cake recipes. Thanks Jo
Well… I’m Ukrainian, and so for us Christmas Day is the 7th of January! So definitely not the end of Christmas decorations!
We celebrated Christmas tonight, on Christmas Eve, but we have another few weeks of Christmas to go still…
In Southern and Eastern Europe, Christmas is still celebrated in January, according to the Julian calendar (which was used the world over until the late 1500s).
Growing up with two Christmases and Easters is a lot of fun. 🙂
Well… I’m Ukrainian, and so for us Christmas Day is the 7th of January! So definitely not the end of Christmas decorations!
We celebrated Christmas tonight, on Christmas Eve, but we have another few weeks of Christmas to go still…
In Southern and Eastern Europe, Christmas is still celebrated in January, according to the Julian calendar (which was used the world over until the late 1500s).
Growing up with two Christmases and Easters is a lot of fun. 🙂
Well… I’m Ukrainian, and so for us Christmas Day is the 7th of January! So definitely not the end of Christmas decorations!
We celebrated Christmas tonight, on Christmas Eve, but we have another few weeks of Christmas to go still…
In Southern and Eastern Europe, Christmas is still celebrated in January, according to the Julian calendar (which was used the world over until the late 1500s).
Growing up with two Christmases and Easters is a lot of fun. 🙂
Well… I’m Ukrainian, and so for us Christmas Day is the 7th of January! So definitely not the end of Christmas decorations!
We celebrated Christmas tonight, on Christmas Eve, but we have another few weeks of Christmas to go still…
In Southern and Eastern Europe, Christmas is still celebrated in January, according to the Julian calendar (which was used the world over until the late 1500s).
Growing up with two Christmases and Easters is a lot of fun. 🙂
Well… I’m Ukrainian, and so for us Christmas Day is the 7th of January! So definitely not the end of Christmas decorations!
We celebrated Christmas tonight, on Christmas Eve, but we have another few weeks of Christmas to go still…
In Southern and Eastern Europe, Christmas is still celebrated in January, according to the Julian calendar (which was used the world over until the late 1500s).
Growing up with two Christmases and Easters is a lot of fun. 🙂
However, I love the second (1827) recipe in that link! The wording in recipes was so flowery back then!
However, I love the second (1827) recipe in that link! The wording in recipes was so flowery back then!
However, I love the second (1827) recipe in that link! The wording in recipes was so flowery back then!
However, I love the second (1827) recipe in that link! The wording in recipes was so flowery back then!
However, I love the second (1827) recipe in that link! The wording in recipes was so flowery back then!
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” The box is 2 1/2 square and looks like it’s a Mary Engelbreit.
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” The box is 2 1/2 square and looks like it’s a Mary Engelbreit.
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” The box is 2 1/2 square and looks like it’s a Mary Engelbreit.
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” The box is 2 1/2 square and looks like it’s a Mary Engelbreit.
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” The box is 2 1/2 square and looks like it’s a Mary Engelbreit.
When faced with a challenge, I pull myself straight up, stretch my spine, and say “I’m from the city of Pittsburgh. I can do this.” Use your own city, and wear comfortable shoes. Good luck.
When faced with a challenge, I pull myself straight up, stretch my spine, and say “I’m from the city of Pittsburgh. I can do this.” Use your own city, and wear comfortable shoes. Good luck.
When faced with a challenge, I pull myself straight up, stretch my spine, and say “I’m from the city of Pittsburgh. I can do this.” Use your own city, and wear comfortable shoes. Good luck.
When faced with a challenge, I pull myself straight up, stretch my spine, and say “I’m from the city of Pittsburgh. I can do this.” Use your own city, and wear comfortable shoes. Good luck.
When faced with a challenge, I pull myself straight up, stretch my spine, and say “I’m from the city of Pittsburgh. I can do this.” Use your own city, and wear comfortable shoes. Good luck.
Decorations down and up in the roof for another year now I am faced with the accumulated dust !!Decorations do hide all manner of sins!We always have celebrated twelth night in my family but missed out this year as we spent the day avoiding puddles up the motorway to London to deliver my son and his partner to Heathrow as they are off to Melbourne for a month – sorry Anne but I expect Australia can stand it !!The sons one ambition is to go and see the Neighbours set – sad really for a man in his thirtys.
Decorations down and up in the roof for another year now I am faced with the accumulated dust !!Decorations do hide all manner of sins!We always have celebrated twelth night in my family but missed out this year as we spent the day avoiding puddles up the motorway to London to deliver my son and his partner to Heathrow as they are off to Melbourne for a month – sorry Anne but I expect Australia can stand it !!The sons one ambition is to go and see the Neighbours set – sad really for a man in his thirtys.
Decorations down and up in the roof for another year now I am faced with the accumulated dust !!Decorations do hide all manner of sins!We always have celebrated twelth night in my family but missed out this year as we spent the day avoiding puddles up the motorway to London to deliver my son and his partner to Heathrow as they are off to Melbourne for a month – sorry Anne but I expect Australia can stand it !!The sons one ambition is to go and see the Neighbours set – sad really for a man in his thirtys.
Decorations down and up in the roof for another year now I am faced with the accumulated dust !!Decorations do hide all manner of sins!We always have celebrated twelth night in my family but missed out this year as we spent the day avoiding puddles up the motorway to London to deliver my son and his partner to Heathrow as they are off to Melbourne for a month – sorry Anne but I expect Australia can stand it !!The sons one ambition is to go and see the Neighbours set – sad really for a man in his thirtys.
Decorations down and up in the roof for another year now I am faced with the accumulated dust !!Decorations do hide all manner of sins!We always have celebrated twelth night in my family but missed out this year as we spent the day avoiding puddles up the motorway to London to deliver my son and his partner to Heathrow as they are off to Melbourne for a month – sorry Anne but I expect Australia can stand it !!The sons one ambition is to go and see the Neighbours set – sad really for a man in his thirtys.
Carolyn, your three kings sounds gorgeous.
Jo
Carolyn, your three kings sounds gorgeous.
Jo
Carolyn, your three kings sounds gorgeous.
Jo
Carolyn, your three kings sounds gorgeous.
Jo
Carolyn, your three kings sounds gorgeous.
Jo
Two Christmases, Sonya. Definitely the way to go! Happy Christmas all over again,
Jo 🙂
Two Christmases, Sonya. Definitely the way to go! Happy Christmas all over again,
Jo 🙂
Two Christmases, Sonya. Definitely the way to go! Happy Christmas all over again,
Jo 🙂
Two Christmases, Sonya. Definitely the way to go! Happy Christmas all over again,
Jo 🙂
Two Christmases, Sonya. Definitely the way to go! Happy Christmas all over again,
Jo 🙂
LOL! on Neighbours, Jo, but I think adults should value their youthful side.
Our house looks quite bare now everything’s packed away.
LOL! on Neighbours, Jo, but I think adults should value their youthful side.
Our house looks quite bare now everything’s packed away.
LOL! on Neighbours, Jo, but I think adults should value their youthful side.
Our house looks quite bare now everything’s packed away.
LOL! on Neighbours, Jo, but I think adults should value their youthful side.
Our house looks quite bare now everything’s packed away.
LOL! on Neighbours, Jo, but I think adults should value their youthful side.
Our house looks quite bare now everything’s packed away.