Depending on when, where or how you were brought up, you may or may not know what the true 12 Days of Christmas are. Contrary to modern ideas, the 12 Days are actually celebrated from Christmas Day through January 5th. All the celebrations lead up to the Christian feast day, Epiphany which is celebrated on January 6th each year.
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Most Americans grow up knowing the “12 Days of Christmas” as a song about 12 days of gifts that was given by a true love.
According to Wikipedia, Epiphany (which is also known as Three Kings’ Day aka. Three Wise Men) celebrates “Jesus’ physical manifestation to the Gentiles”. Some Christians also include the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist along with the first miracle performed by Jesus of turning water to wine. Epiphany, in general terms, celebrates how Jesus revealed himself to the world as the son of God. The 12 Days of Christmas lead up to this faith filled holiday.
Here are the true 12 Days of Christmas:
Day 1 – (December 25th) celebrates the birth of Jesus.
Day 2 – (December 26th) celebrates the feast of Saint Stephen, who is known as the the first martyr for Christianity.
Day 3 – (December 27th) is the feast day of St. John the Apostle, one of Jesus’ beloved apostles and friend.
Day 4 – (December 28th) is “The Feast of the Holy Innocents”. This day is for remembering the baby boys that King Herod ordered his soldiers to kill in search of baby Jesus to kill.
Day 5 – (December 29th) is for remembering St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury that was martyred for challenging the authority that King Henry II had claimed over the Church.
Day 6 – (December 30th) is the feast day of St. Egwin of Worcester, founder of the monastery Evesham Abbey and dedicated to Mary.
Day 7 – (December 31st) is for honoring St. Sylvester, who is one of the earliest Popes from the fourth century.
Day 8 – (January 1st) honors the motherhood of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Day 9 – (January 2nd) is the feast day of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory of Nazianzus, two friends that became bishops of the Church and helped further the faith of Christianity.
Day 10 – (January 3rd) is the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, the day that Jesus was officially named in the Jewish temple.
Day 11 – (January 4th) is the feast day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American saint.
Day 12 – (January 5th) also known as Epiphany Eve or the Twelfth Night, is the feast day for St. John Neumann, the first American Bishop.
Different cultures, countries and denominations may celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas in different ways but it still remains a sacred time for honoring and reflecting the faith.
To learn more, visit the following:
- Epiphany (holiday)
- What Are the 12 Days of Christmas?
- The 12 Days of Christmas – Christmas Customs and Traditions
- The Meaning Behind the 12 Days of Christmas
Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas can be fun and educational for your whole family. For more educational and inspirational posts, sign up for the weekly email from Ssouthernlifestyle and as always have a blessed day!
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