by Jamaica LayneDuring the medieval and renaissance period in Europe, the most important winter holiday wasn’t Christmas Day. Instead, it was Twelfth Night. True to its name, it’s the Twelfth Night of the Christmas season, which lasts twelve days, and also celebrates the coming of Epiphany, which marked the Biblical arrival of the Three Wise Men at the Nativity of baby Jesus (otherwise known as Epiphany.) Because of differences between the modern and medieval calendars, it’s unclear if Twelfth Night actually occurred on Epiphany, though some modern-day Twelfth Night celebrations celebrate both occasions together. My book TENDER IS THE KNIGHT is a romance novel set in against the backdrop of a modern-day recreations of the Middle Ages, and that includes Twelfth Night.
In the medieval and renaissance period, Twelfth Night was an evening of dancing, singing, art, gift-giving, drinking, and merry-making, a general celebration of the winter season, and the last day of mass celebration before Candlemas, which occurs in early February and serves as an early rite of spring (we still celebrate Candlemas today, in fact; Americans call it “Groundhog Day”.) The modern-day custom of Christmas gift-giving originated with the medieval Twelfth Night.
Twelfth Night is also the ceremonial last night of the winter holiday season that begins on All Hallows Eve (modern-day Halloween). In the medieval period, and especially in Tudor and Elizabethan England, Twelfth Night festivities followed a set pattern. On All Hallows Eve, a cake would be served in the feast hall that contained a single bean. Whoever found the piece with the bean in it would be named Lord of Misrule, or the Master of Revels for Twelfth Night two months later. The Lord of Misrule would spend the ensuing two months planning Twelfth Night festivities, which could include a twelve-course feast, dancing, music, song, a costumed masque or pantomime, and (in later periods), scripted plays. In keeping with the Lord of Misrule’s name, most Twelfth Night parties have a “Topsy-Turvy” (i.e., the world is upside down) theme. William Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night plays up on this theme especially, with characters in disguise as the opposite sex, with all sorts of mischief ensuing.
How would you celebrate a modern-day medieval Twelfth Night? Comment here for a chance to win a FREE copy of Tender Is The Knight as well as a packet of FREE print romance novels from some of my favorite authors!Romantically Yours,
JAMAICA LAYNE
Twitter: @jamaicalayne
Hmmmm! How I turn things topsy turvy? No calorie chocolate for all! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think having an opposite party would be a hoot on Twelfth night. My kids used to have opposite day at school, and they always thought that was too fun. They could dress as the opposite sex, behave differently than usual, or even wear their shoes on the wrong feet. They loved trying to come up with different ways to express themselves each year. It could get wild if it were a bunch of adults.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. Thanks for sharing, Jamaica. Oh and free books - sweet.
I have no idea how I'd celebrate...I feel kind of brainless right now and can't come up with one idea. LOL Interesting topic! All the best of success, Jamaica, and good luck to all the contestants!
ReplyDeleteOh I would certainly plan a rocking party! Masks a must and lots of crazy games and food that tasted much different from what it looked like.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the history lesson... it was all news to me!
I think opposite food would be cool to serve at a 12th Night party. Savory pies, sweet meats &/or sides - you get the idea. And a topsy-turvy mask would be cool, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this fascinating, informative post, Jamaica.
ReplyDeleteLord of Misrule (please correct, if I'm wrong) but I think Victor Hugo mentions the lord of misrule in his book Hunchback of Notre Dame. If I'm right, I know how I would like to celebrate, by re-writing that story with a happy ending.
I love a party with live music, decadent desserts and a buffet with turkey, ham, and lasagna. We could have a fruit and cheese dish with yogurt dip too. I must be hungry. Lol Thanks for the interesting facts, Jamaica.
ReplyDeleteoh 12 courses of food mmm and then they could roll me from the table lol
ReplyDeletemeandi09@yahoo.com
How fun, Jamaica! We've never celebrated 12th Night, but you give a lot of fun possibilities--an opposites theme, where you start with dessert and reverse the 12 courses, for starters! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI agree with others about having an opposites party where the women would ask the men to dance. The men in turn would make the food and clean up afterwards. There would also be music and party games played where people would win goofy gifts.
ReplyDeletejoderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
I love a good history lesson. Thanks for sharing this one with us. I think the 12 course feast sounds excellent. Mix that with some good ale and great company and I'm there. :-)
ReplyDeleteOr, I've always been partial to masquerade parties where the participants remain a mystery until the end of the night.
--Carlie A.
carlieangelus@gmail.com
I really enjoyed the post and learning all about
ReplyDeleteThe Twelfth Night. I think a grand party like they say would be fitting, maybe some costumes with masks, dancing, singing, drinking and frolicking around. Sounds like fun!!!!!
I would like to gather my friends and do a charity deed for each of the 12 days and then celebrate in the end with a masquerade bash!
ReplyDeletecbandy10(at)hotmail(dot)com
I enjoyed learning about Twelfth Night. I agree that a 12 course meal would be awesome.
ReplyDeletekissinoak at frontier dot com
An opposite party would be really interesting. Great information.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at att do tnet
This was an interesting lesson. It, combined with some excerpts of stories I've been scanning tonight, brought me to a completely different idea than everyone else. I'd do an opposite's night, like in the past, only I'd make it have to do with romance.
ReplyDeleteLet a couple change their habits for the night. If the man is normally all business, never playful or loving, during this one night, he can indulge his woman's every whim.
If the female is normally frigid and restrained in bed, this one night, let her be carefree and willing to try new things. If she's normally a very submissive woman who spends her days taking orders from everyone in her life, during this one night, let her be in control.
To me, this would be a fun way to modernize a historic night, while exploring a different angle to this holiday. Hope you enjoy.
youngmomx3@aol.com
I think I'd celebrate it by getting rid of the negative and trying to be more positive.
ReplyDeletelenikaye@yahoo.com
It would be fun to celebrate with a costumed masque.
ReplyDeleteteamstefan@live.com
Hmmmmm...I think a Twelfth night celebration with just two people could be quite interesting. Masks, wine or ale, food, dancing-- I'm thinking that would be a lovely evening for two:)
ReplyDeletewayfaringwriter@gmail.com
I would go with the twelve course dinner, but planned and prepared or ordered by the men. They would also be responsible for cleanup.
ReplyDeleteandrea.infinger@gmail.com
Love your books Jamaica! I love historical medieval romance and learn so much from reading these kinds of romances, so looking forward to this one! I have it down on my wishlist to get! I loved learning this!
ReplyDeletecathiecaffey @ gmail.com
I love your title, it with the picture has my curiosity to read it. :)
ReplyDeleteI think a cosy dinner would be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteseriousreader at live dot com
Any excuse for a masquerade ball is good by me :D
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