It's Good to Know: The 12 Days of Christmas

You've probably heard of the 12 Days of Christmas (also known as Christmastide). But you may not know that it refers to the 12 days between Christ's birth on December 25 and the coming of the Three Wise Men on January 6 (the Epiphany).

Although modern-day celebrations of the 12 Days in the United States seem to be limited to department store sales, in the Middle Ages the nearly two-week period was a time of nonstop feasting and fun, with influences from pagan festivals. Other countries around the world, especially those with large Roman Catholic populations, continue to celebrate the 12 Days with various traditions, usually centering on the Epiphany. For example, in France a special tart is prepared with a bean or small Christ-child figurine baked inside. The one who finds it in their portion becomes king for the day.

(Source: Snopes and Wikipedia)
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Word to the Wise: Wassail

"Wassail" (WAH-sul) is an English beverage enjoyed on festive occasions, especially Christmas. It is made of ale or wine flavored with spices, sugar, roasted apples, etc.

Example (as used by Gore Vidal in The Smithsonian Institution): "But have you ever tried to spear a buffalo after a hard night at the old wassail bowl?"
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2233, 12-24-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.