Today is the last day of Christmas. I so love 12th night! Even if I don't do anything about it any longer. When I used to entertain I had a little party on this night as well as on St. Nicholas Day.
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Twelfth Night is the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany. The word epiphany is from the Greek, usage of which dates back to pagan mythology, referring to the point where a god traveling among men makes himself manifest. The manifestation in this case being of the God-Man, the only true God; the Infant Jesus, Christ our God, to the Three Wise Men - who represent the Gentiles.
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As everyone ought to know, the Twelve Days of Christmas refers to the period between Christmas and Epiphany; prior to modern times it was customary for gifts to
be exchanged on Epiphany rather than Christmas itself, in commemoration of the gifts presented by the the Three Kings; magi, astrologers, whatever is the current translation of the NAB. In Italy and other Latin countries, it is yet celebrated with gifts.
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As everyone ought to know, the Twelve Days of Christmas refers to the period between Christmas and Epiphany; prior to modern times it was customary for gifts to
be exchanged on Epiphany rather than Christmas itself, in commemoration of the gifts presented by the the Three Kings; magi, astrologers, whatever is the current translation of the NAB. In Italy and other Latin countries, it is yet celebrated with gifts.
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Romantic Lords, 12th Night would be the loveliest night of the years to present your fair maiden with a lovely betrothal ring. Other fine gifts would be an expensive perfume or cologne, or something as simple as a scented candle, or a fine wine - even the most delicious chocolat. All keeping in the tradition of Epiphany romance...thus, surprise your lover with a treasured gift tonight! (It is the night for romance and fun! Much more so than New Years! Think of Shakespeare's masked ball scene in Romeo and Juliet, or the enchantment of Midsummer's Night Dream, more so than his Twelfth Night I think.)
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I re-post this now that ye may perform last minute preparations for tonight! (Go to the liquor store.)
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A happy Christmas to all! And remember, Christmas is not a day, but a way of life! "Let us love one another!"
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And remember, girl's conceived on this night are often named Tiffany - for Epiphany. ;)
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Elena has a note on this celebration as well as a link to customs associated with it. Go here.
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And remember, girl's conceived on this night are often named Tiffany - for Epiphany. ;)
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Link:
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Elena has a note on this celebration as well as a link to customs associated with it. Go here.
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We're celebrating Epiphany tomorrow (tonight, as well) with the blessing of Epiphany water, Divine Office in the 1962 Breviary and a sung Mass (Extraordinary Form) tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI love Epiphany!
A blessed Epiphany (again, for some!)!
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ReplyDeleteHappy Epiphany (season), Terry!
ReplyDeleteWe just got home from our trip to NYC for our celebration. My twin sister and I are Epiphany babies (born on the 6th of January), tho mercifully neither of us are named "Tiffany"! I don't think it was a popular name fifty years ago. (Ugh, I have to get used to saying that! 50??!!)
We were in Time Square on 12th night--it is still New Year.
Although we were there primarily for a Broadway show, being at Mass at ST Patrick's on Epiphany was the highlight. (I prayed at Fulton Sheen's tomb for you adn all our blogging and internet buddies. He was such a "communications media" person, I think he's probably the most 'qualified' to be the Patron Saint of the Internet, dont' you?)
Happy birthday Gette! Oh - your heart is from Tiffany's though. LOL! I love NYC. Thanks for the prayers at Archbishop Sheen's tomb - yes - he is an excellent choice for the Internet patron. I hope his process moves along swiftly.
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