In the main for a lot of families worldwide it is of course also known as Epiphany the Christian festival in honour of the coming of the three Kings to the infant Jesus Christ.
It is a night to party, a big celebration and a time for practical jokes including live birds in a pie, hence the rhyme sing a song of sixpence. A Twelfth Night cake used to be the order of the day which was a fruit cake containing a bean. If you were lucky enough to get it you were deemed to be a King/Queen and everyone had to obey your orders. Also linked to Twelfth Night is the yule log which were lit at Christmas and burned until Twelfth Night, then its remains were kept to rekindle next years fire for good luck.
So many differences, customs and celebrations and yet everyone working towards the same goal of clearing the aftermath of the festive season.
I have finally managed to get some order back into the household with all the decorations packed away for another year.
The sofa in the lounge room has been given an overhaul.
The fireplace and mantel toned down and back to normality. Oh how I miss all the beauty already... and yet the way time is flying by we will be doing it all again before you know it.
See you soon.
I like your before and after photos. It does feel good to get back to normal. I had never heard about the Twelfth Night customs and celebrations. That is interesting.
ReplyDeleteOur tree came down yesterday and I didn't like it one little bit. It has been my most favourite tree ever and I do miss it. It has also shown up that I need to do some serious decorating this year...lol-x-
ReplyDeleteActually I intended to take my Christmas tree down during the weekends but somehow I only found time yesterday. So we are now back to normal and the things stored up for next year!
ReplyDeleteAlways feels strange at first once the decorations come down.
ReplyDeleteLiz @ Shortbread & Ginger
I love how the house looks when the decorations are put away, clean and fresh and wide opened spaces!! Lovely :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about baking the live birds in a pie and sing a song of sixpence. We got all our decorations and tree taken down at the weekend, I like to have a bit of normality back before Mick's back at work after the new year.
ReplyDeleteI did not do decorations for christmas this year just a winter table in the dinning room and as I'm awake at 4:30 i'm thinking I want to change it... Thinking of my granny dishes as I always called them, will see though lovely changes you made ... Happy New Year dearest with love Janice
ReplyDeleteI didn't put up any decorations so I didn't have to take any down. First time I've ever went without any decorations or even a tree but it was nice. I'm always in a hurry to get the house back to normal anyway. :)
ReplyDeletexx Beca
Hi, sweet friend! It's so good to pop in for a visit :) How are you?
ReplyDeleteIt's always so sad to take down the Christmas decorations...I did so on Monday and I still miss the twinkling lights and sparkle of the ornaments :)
Hugs to you!
Hi there !!!
ReplyDeleteWe keep the decorations until Epiphany and we usually eat a round cake call King's crown or "galette des rois".
Hugs
Anna
I have never celebrated Twelfth Night myself but I always enjoy reading about the tradition. You must be feeling relieved to get back to normal now. I hope you're having a good week.
ReplyDeleteI'm missing my twinkly trees, It always looks strange once the decs come down xx
ReplyDeleteThe house does feel empty without the decorations doesn't it. I always think it takes a while to get Christmas completely out of the system.
ReplyDeleteOh good thing that I am not superstitious as my tree is stll up (though missing a few baubles). Very interesting how different things are everywhere. Enjoy your fresh, clean home all decked out for normal. It looks lovely to me!
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely to make the changes and have things refreshed, but I miss the Christmassy things too! xx
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing about the traditions :) the bean one sounds fun, might have to introduce that next year!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year to you and you have a nice home x
ReplyDeleteIt is always so nice to get everything put away and life back in order.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
oops, my little tree is still up. Am going to get it done this weekend, hopefully. I tweaked my back today so don't know how I'll be feeling tomorrow! I'm behind. There are a lot of Russian Orthodox people who celebrated their Christmas this week. Wed and Thurs were slow. Hopefully next week will be a bit busier. I miss the decorations when they are all down. Have a good weekend!
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