What is a twelfth night party?
12th night is Epiphany, the traditional day when the Wise Men delivered their gifts to the baby Jesus. That is why there are 12 days of Christmas, with 12th night being the last. Some people have a party then, to exchange gifts, etc. A group in the City of Ottawa called the “Twelfth Night Society), recreates the courts of Mary Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I’s of England (1575), and holds costumed functions, often with a very funny skit that parodies just about everything, and everyone. This is in keeping with a Shakespearian tradition, from his play Twelfth Night. Other communities have similar groups. I have played Blindman’s Bluff, although I cannot remember the rules! Forfeits is another very old game, involving questions which if answered incorrectly, result in the payment of a “forfeit.
