Comments on: On Twelfth Night

By: Cherub

Cherub — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:21:08 +0000

In some parts of Switzerland it’s customary to leave Christmas decorations up until Fasnacht (these are carnivals involving a lot of political satire and poking fun mainly at the Swiss establishment). Fasnacht usually takes place in February or March after Ash Wednesday. Basel goes completely mad for 3 days.

During the pandemic lockdowns many people here in Basel kept some decorations up until spring, I think it made the situation less miserable and more bearable. Today people will have been queuing from early morning at bakeries to buy the special treats on offer celebrating The Three Kings.

By: achim

achim — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 16:45:00 +0000

My Christmas star is still on display in the kitchen window. Like every year, I leave it hanging for as long as possible.

I have now read: Those who follow the Christian tradition to the letter leave the Christmas tree and decorations up until 2 February. But the decorations should be removed by then at the latest, because according to Christian belief, the Christmas season ends at Candlemas Day. At the same time, candles are blessed for the New Year.

Thank you for the story about the tradition of the Galette des Rois!

Love & Peace
ACHIM

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 14:34:26 +0000

Eeeeeep! — We are not any where NEAR ready to take down our holiday decorations. In fact, we used to have a dictum that everything must be down by Super Bowl Sunday. I suspect we will accomplish the clean-up before then, but we will do it reluctantly. I have so loved snuggling in the glow of the tree this year; and our cats have done minimal “re-arranging”; nothing to screech about.

I am quite enthralled with the engraving by Cruikshank (“Twelfth Night”) ; especially the young couple on the right. I have enlarged the image to read the text, but without much luck. Lettering a bit too feathery on my screen. But I was hoping for some illumination about the flirty hand gestures they are making. Notice how their fingertips flutter together, inside the protection of the hat? Away from prying eyes of their fellow party-goers. Even her right hand, that languishes over the edge of the table, seems to want to slide over and tug at his sleeve.
The discreet glances and gestures between these two have awakened my curiosity. Mr. Cruikshank: Please do tell us what is going on here?! (smile)

Happy New Year, GA and all

By: Malcolm

Malcolm — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:34:29 +0000

Twelfth night has only been January 6 since 1752 when Great Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar. According to the previously used Julian calendar, dates were different. The Orthodox Church still uses the Julian Calendar and Christmas day is January 7 while new year statrts on January 14.
It can get complicated when looking back to medieval times…

By: Julia Harrison

Julia Harrison — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 08:01:17 +0000

Spending a weekend in the beautiful Townhouse with like minded people, learning how to express ourselves was a privilege and a complete joy. I had a new found confidence afterwards and a determination to just have fun with my blog writing, Thank you for your constant encouragement and for everything you shared with us.