Correct! The Christmas celebration ends on the Twelfth Night - WDAM.COM - TV 7 - News, Weather and Sports

Correct! The Christmas celebration ends on the Twelfth Night

  • Most ReadMost Popular Stories

  • Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:08 AM EDT2013-05-15 14:08:44 GMT
    ORLANDO (WFTV/CNN) – Hurricane season is almost here and the National Hurricane Center has released its annual list of storm names. The list alternates between boy and girl names. The list kicks off with
    Hurricane season is almost here and the National Hurricane Center has released its annual list of storm names.
  • Monday, May 13 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-13 16:24:04 GMT
    MARION COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - A weekend-long drug raid left 22 individuals behind bars, and more arrests to come. According to Marion County Sheriff Berkley Hall, the drug raid is the result of several
    A weekend-long drug raid left 22 individuals behind bars, and more arrests to come.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 11:23 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:23:44 GMT
    A Hattiesburg High School senior will soon be on his way to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Parker Krag has received an appointment to the academy. He got his acceptance packet Friday morning.
    A Hattiesburg High School senior will soon be on his way to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.


Provided by WorldNow

Even though the play does not have a Christmas theme, many scholars agree that William Shakespeare looked to the medieval celebrations of Christmas to find a name for the play he called Twelfth Night.

In medieval times, Christmastide was a somber period that extended from Dec. 25 until the eve of the Epiphany, which falls on Dec. 6. The Yule Log was kept burning for 12 days, and if it was allowed to burn out it was considered an omen of evil.

Finally, on  Twelfth Night -- Dec. 5 --  the holiday was allowed to show a festive side. As part of the celebration, people wore masks and costumes. Men dressed as women and women dressed as men, according to Christmas World. Cross-dressing is a central theme of Shakespeare's play.

The significance of 12 days reflects the biblical story of the Magi, the kings who followed the star to Bethlehem to presents gifts to the infant Jesus. Their arrival -- after a journey of 12 days --  is celebrated as the Epiphany.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.