The Twelve Days of Christmas is commonly believed to be a Christian tradition beginning with the birth of Jesus on December 25th (Christmas Day) and lasting until January 5th, known as Twelfth Night or Epiphany.
I had a great time reading this! I was vaguely aware of some of these traditions but not all of them. Now I really understand why my parents banned Christmas because it was 'pagan'.
Thanks Sam. Though I'm not Christian I can also see why the Puritans and others with similar beliefs thought that Christmas was pagan. I was particularly amazed when I learned about the Feast of the Fools, the conduct of religious leaders in it was rather surprising. Of course, I love all the festivities (I celebrate a secular and very 'Aussie' Christmas, as well as midwinter Yule with all the trimmings). I can sympathise with your parents though, it would an antithesis of their beliefs, still it must have been hard for you as a kid. Do you celebrate Christmas now? I have fond memories of Christmas in Canada with my religious relatives, midnight mass in the deep winter, the beautiful gothic church full of lights, singing carols, happy and excited children, one of my favourite memories.
I celebrate secular Christmas (NZ) but not really in a big way. We celebrate Matariki, which is very much my favorite holiday as it is a mid-winter festival based in tradition and culture in my own country, not imported. This year we will be celebrating by walking with my daughter's school to the beach, with lanterns they have made, and then pumpkin soup made from pumpkins we grew in the school gardens. It's a time to reflect on the past year, remember those who have passed away, give gratitude, and prepare for the coming year.
I had a great time reading this! I was vaguely aware of some of these traditions but not all of them. Now I really understand why my parents banned Christmas because it was 'pagan'.
Thanks Sam. Though I'm not Christian I can also see why the Puritans and others with similar beliefs thought that Christmas was pagan. I was particularly amazed when I learned about the Feast of the Fools, the conduct of religious leaders in it was rather surprising. Of course, I love all the festivities (I celebrate a secular and very 'Aussie' Christmas, as well as midwinter Yule with all the trimmings). I can sympathise with your parents though, it would an antithesis of their beliefs, still it must have been hard for you as a kid. Do you celebrate Christmas now? I have fond memories of Christmas in Canada with my religious relatives, midnight mass in the deep winter, the beautiful gothic church full of lights, singing carols, happy and excited children, one of my favourite memories.
I celebrate secular Christmas (NZ) but not really in a big way. We celebrate Matariki, which is very much my favorite holiday as it is a mid-winter festival based in tradition and culture in my own country, not imported. This year we will be celebrating by walking with my daughter's school to the beach, with lanterns they have made, and then pumpkin soup made from pumpkins we grew in the school gardens. It's a time to reflect on the past year, remember those who have passed away, give gratitude, and prepare for the coming year.
Oh wow, that is a beautiful celebration. I'm going to note that down so I can make sure I research more about it.