12 Days

For several centuries after Jesus’ life there was no institutional celebration of his nativity. The Early Church placed more emphasis on Jesus’ resurrection (Easter) and on the rite of baptism (how to join the new religion). Because the Bible does not tell us the exact day or date of Jesus’ birthday,¹  there were disagreements at the time. The Calendar of Philocalus, written in 354 AD, is the first written record noting the celebration of the Nativity on 25 December.²

In 567 AD the Council of Tours decreed that Christmastide should last for twelve days to embrace several holy days:-

• 26 Dec St Stephen’s Day: Stephen was the first martyr, stoned to death in Jerusalem (Acts 8:2).
• 27 Dec St John the Apostle: ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’, traditionally the writer of the Gospel.
• 28 Dec Feast of the Holy Innocents: the massacre of the children by King Herod³ (Matthew 2:16-18).
• 29 Dec Feast of St. Thomas à Becket:⁴ the anniversary of his murder at Canterbury 29 Dec 1170 AD.
• 1 January Circumcision of Jesus: his obedience to Jewish law and receiving of the name ‘Jesus’ (Luke 2:21)
• 6 January Feast of the Epiphany: the arrival of the Magi (three Kings) and blessing of gifts (Matthew 2:1-12).

It was customary in medieval times to start observing a religious festival on the evening before the feast day, beginning at sunset, as an ‘eve’ or vigil. ‘Twelfth Night’ took place, therefore, on the evening of 5 January with feasting and revels to conclude the holiday period. It was King Alfred who first legislated for the 12-day break in his legal code c893 AD. Serfs were legally freed from working their lord’s demesne fields and anyway, in Northern Europe at least, the ground was frozen and unworkable. Each community had an opportunity to reciprocate hospitality.