Twelfth Night precedes Epiphany but when does it exactly fall?
Twelfth Night is an important date in the Christian calendar, marking the coming of Epiphany on January 6.
The Collins Dictionary says Twelfth Night is: “The evening of Jan 5, the eve of Twelfth Day, formerly observed with various festal celebrations
Western Christians believe it was the date the three kings, or three wise men, visited the baby Jesus in a Bethlehem stable.
They have been celebrating the date since the 4th century and January 5 is officially recognised as Twelfth Night by the Church of England.
One its website, the Church of England states: “The season of Christmas lasts for twelve days, culminating in another feast - that of the Epiphany on 6th January, when we recall how Jesus was first revealed to the wider world in the visit of the Magi (or Wise Men).”
However, some other Christian groups say Twelfth Night happens on January 6 because it is the 12th day after Christmas.
Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, according to Eastern Christians.
A modern-day custom in English-speaking countries is that all festive decorations must come down on Epiphany Eve, classed as Twelfth Night.
It is bad luck to keep your Christmas decorations up after Twelfth Night, according to superstition
So many people think displaying Christmas decorations after January 5 is unlucky.
According to the superstition, tree spirits live in Christmas trees and other greenery such as holly and ivy.
They must then be released into the open otherwise it would lead to agricultural problems and food shortages.