"Do the math and you will see why shopping malls, newspapers, television networks, and other cultural fortresses annually deliver some kind of "Twelve Days of Christmas" blitz, beginning on December 13."
In malls, the blitz actually starts around October 13 now!
As Russian Orthodox, we called it Russian Christmas as children and always saved a gift to open on 1/6.
I will celebrate tomorrow - as I always do.
Dasher
Thank you for the post. I have often been disappointed by the failure to celebrate fully the Twelve Days of Christmas.
The season of Advent (preparation for the coming of Christ into the world) has been transformed into the "Christmas Season" and has diluted the traditional celebration of Christmas.
Peace.
We put up the outside lights the first Sunday in Advent (even though that's a penitential season, it's so dark and gloomy here we like having the lights), and they go off on Epiphany.
"According to an old legend based on a Bible story.."
Actually, I believe the Bible story refers to wise men, not to three kings. The Kings and their names and even number are a later Medieval creation.
In all probability the "wise men" were Zoroastrian Magi, seeking the Saviour promised by Zoroaster centuries or even millenia before.
Zoroastrianism, not Judaism, is the world's oldest monotheistic religion.
It's nice to know that the Epiphany is still recognized as a holiday and a holy day. We celebrate it as a family. Sadly, in my diocese, the Epiphany has been moved to the first Sunday after Easter, changing the notion of the 12 days of Christmas, the celebrating traditionally done from Christmas until the Epiphany. And now of course the New Years feast is now optional when on a Sat or Mon. Our parish had one mass.
Pingski!
We are just starting to celebrate this Holiday in our family. We will have a special meal and bread (German stollen), let the children bring the wise men (or three kings) to the Nativity and sing a few carols, including We Three Kings. Perhaps small gifts too. I appreciate all the wonderful holiday tradition ideas and history education here on FR.
BTTT
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Patriarch Adds To Epiphany Pomp