Why 12 Days of Christmas Celebrations?

In all probability the long winter celebrations of Christmas have pagan origins. The Romans were also fond of celebrating longer without much to do in winter than waiting for spring to come. It also justifies the reality of the fact that there wasn’t a field to sow and harvest and the worries to take care of the plants in autumn season. Best time to hibernate if nothing else to do. What better way to celebrate than dining with delicious food and wine with good company. This time of the year echoes the Roman’s grand Saturnalia and hence the need of celebrations.

During the period of 17th and 18th centuries, the Christians were celebrating Christmas starting from Christmas Day to the Epiphany. Epiphany is the day the Christian Church celebrated the visit of the Magi also known as three kings who came to worship the infant Jesus in the humble manger of Bethlehem.

It is also famous as English twelfth night celebrations, this was an awesome time for people to feast and make merry. Food was obviously an important part of festive season and people would gather around each night to enjoy the feast, dance and sing. The young men and women attended these festivals and there is a suggestion of the courting for eligible maids and grooms.

This melodious 12 days of Christmas carol song must have originated over time and amidst many different cultures and traditions. The song evolved like many other songs and has reached its zenith in the form today. Sung for more than 2 centuries the Christmas carol has captured the imagination of singers before it was composed, recorded and published in its latest form today. Various versions of the song were composed and sung for more than a century or two. The original song had originated in the country of France, but the popular song is best known in English version. 

Published in 1780 with other rhymes in a book called “Mirth without Mischief” it was sung while playing games. A leader would sing a verse and each of the players had to repeat the verse one by one as it is. The player whose memory failed and who made a mistake while reciting the verse had to pay a penalty which could either be a kiss or possible a treat. Each new verse is build on the top of previous verse describing a gift. The gifts became grander as the song progressed which fundamentally shows the theme of making merry and enjoying the feast with a delightful gift.