A Royal Affair: Twelfth Night Celebrations of Kings and Queens
Twelfth Night, also called the Feast of the Epiphany, has been a traditional holiday in Christian countries since the medieval times. It is celebrated on January 5th or 6th, depending on the country, and marks the end of the Christmas season. During this night, people traditionally indulge in feasting, music, dancing, and other festive activities. Among the historical figures who loved the Twelfth Night revelries were Queen Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare, and King Louis XIV.
Queen Elizabeth I of England was known for her love of music, dance, and theater, and she was particularly fond of the Twelfth Night festivities. The queen often hosted grand balls and masquerades, and she even wrote a famous poem about the holiday, titled “Against Depressed Spirits.” The poem encourages the festive spirit of Twelfth Night, urging the reader to “be merry all, be merry all.”
William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright, also expressed his love for Twelfth Night in his play of the same name. The comedy portrays the wild and colorful celebrations that took place during the holiday. The play’s main character, Viola, disguises herself as a man and becomes entangled in a series of comedic events that involve mistaken identities, love triangles, and plenty of romantic confusion. Shakespeare’s colorful and witty portrayal of Twelfth Night has become a favorite among audiences worldwide.
Twelfth Night and the “Lord of Misrule”: The Role of Merrymakers in the Festivities
In France, King Louis XIV was known for his grand celebrations, and the Twelfth Night festivities were no exception. Known as the Sun King, Louis XIV hosted grand balls at Versailles and other royal palaces. At these events, the king and his guests would dress up in elaborate costumes and dance into the early hours of the morning. The French monarch’s love of revelry and grandeur helped establish Twelfth Night as one of the most important holidays of the year in France.
Another historical figure who enjoyed the Twelfth Night festivities was Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Jefferson, who was known for his refined tastes and love of culture, wrote about his celebrations of Twelfth Night in a letter to his daughter Martha. In the letter, he describes the tradition of burning the Yule log, a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and watching as the embers of the fire gently smoldered into the night.
In modern times, the Twelfth Night celebrations have evolved and taken on various forms, depending on the country and culture. In Italy, for example, the holiday is known as the Befana and involves the arrival of an old woman who brings presents and sweets to children. In Spain and Latin America, the holiday is celebrated with the Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread shaped like a wreath that contains a hidden figurine of the baby Jesus.
Regardless of the specific customs and traditions, Twelfth Night remains an important holiday that celebrates the end of the Christmas season and the start of a new year. Through the centuries, many historical figures have expressed their love of the holiday and its festive spirit. From Queen Elizabeth I to King Louis XIV to Thomas Jefferson, these important figures have helped cement Twelfth Night as a cherished and beloved holiday celebrated around the world.