Campaign to Protect Rural England’s Liz Hamilton looks at the origins and traditions of the 12 days of Christmas
The 12 days of Christmas originated at the Council of Tours in the year 567, when the Christian church declared that Christmastide – the period celebrating the birth of Jesus – should extend from December 25 to January 5, followed by Epiphany (Three Kings Day) on January 6. Two traditional celebrations fall into the period – New Year and Twelfth Night. New Year’s Day once surpassed Christmas Day as the time for giving presents and family feasting, a legacy perhaps of the Roman festival of Kalends, which began on January 1 and lasted several days. Kalends spread throughout the Roman empire and was marked by noisy merrymaking to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck, reflected in the more modern custom of ringing church bells to see in the new year. Feasting and gift giving were believed to ensure an abundance of food and wealth in the year ahead.
Denne historien er fra January 2018-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
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Denne historien er fra January 2018-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week
