The History of Twelfth Night: From Pagan Roots to Christmas Tradition

Twelfth Night or What You Will is a play written by William Shakespeare during the early 17th century. The play is believed to have been first performed on the 2nd of February, 1602, and has since gained significant popularity, serving as a vibrant celebration of the spirit of the holiday season.

One of the reasons for the success of Twelfth Night is the rich cultural heritage that it embodies. Over the centuries, Twelfth Night has been celebrated as a festival, with roots in ancient Roman and medieval European traditions.

The festival of Twelfth Night was originally a celebration marking the end of the Christmas season. It was based on the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, which was celebrated in honor of Saturn – the god of agriculture and time. During the festival, social norms were overturned, and commoners could engage in frivolous behavior, whilst drinking and feasting in a merry atmosphere.

In medieval Europe, a similar loosening of social norms occurred during the Feast of Fools, which typically took place on December 28th. During this time, roles were reversed, and the lowliest members of society were allowed to mock and satirize the clergy and aristocracy.

Twelfth Night in Literature and the Arts: From Shakespeare to Modern Adaptations

Shakespeare incorporated these and other traditions into Twelfth Night, which is seen as a play that celebrates the end of the Christmas season, with a focus on the Twelfth Night after Christmas – hence the name. The play embodies the spirit of Saturnalia and Feast of Fools, depicting the reversal of roles and social norms, as well as a sense of festivity and merry-making.

Moreover, Shakespeare also applied his keen eye for societal critique in the play. He used Twelfth Night to satirize the social norms of his time and the characters that embodied them. For instance, in the play, Orsino, who represents the aristocracy, is characterized as being foolishly idealistic and self-absorbed, while the characters from the lower end of the social hierarchy, such as Sir Toby Belch and the Fool, are shown to be clever and witty.

The richness of Twelfth Night’s cultural heritage has also influenced various adaptations of the work. For example, during the 18th and 19th centuries, a simplified version of the play was widely performed in England, known as the “Twelfth Night Cake Ceremony.” In this version, a cake was baked, and a bean was hidden inside it. The person who found the bean was crowned the “Lord of Misrule” and was given the power to make jests at other people’s expense for the duration of the evening.

Finally, in modern times, Twelfth Night continues to be a popular play, performed by professionals and amateurs alike. It remains a vibrant celebration of the spirit of the holiday season, a celebration of love, laughter, and joy, as well as a captivating critique of English society during Shakespeare’s time.

In conclusion, the richness of Twelfth Night’s cultural heritage and its continued popularity all stem from the fact that the play embodies a sense of festivity, an overturning of social norms, and a sharp critique of societal structures. Indeed, it is this combination of celebration and satire that has ensured that Twelfth Night remains an essential part of the cultural heritage of the Western world.