Little Christmas is the traditional name for the day celebrated on January 6th, marking the official end of the Christmas season. This date is recognized globally under several names, reflecting its significance in various cultures and historical contexts. It serves as the culmination of the twelve days of Christmastide, which begin on December 25th. The holiday blends religious observance with unique cultural traditions.
The Primary Date and Its Seasonal Significance
January 6th is widely known in Western Christianity as the Feast of the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. This is the Twelfth Day of Christmas; the evening before, January 5th, is referred to as Twelfth Night. The Epiphany commemorates the arrival of the Magi, or Three Kings, who followed a star to Bethlehem to present gifts to the infant Jesus.
The term “Epiphany” originates from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning “manifestation,” signifying the revelation of Christ to the world. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and mortality. For many, this date marks the traditional time to take down Christmas decorations, as leaving them up past the Twelfth Day is often considered to bring bad luck.
The Irish Tradition: Women’s Little Christmas
In Ireland, Little Christmas is celebrated with a unique cultural tradition known as Nollaig na mBan, which translates to Women’s Christmas. This day historically provided a respite for women from the extensive household labor associated with the Christmas period. The tradition involved a temporary reversal of roles, where the men of the household would take over domestic duties, including cooking and cleaning.
Women would gather to socialize, often meeting in homes or, more recently, in pubs and restaurants, enjoying a day of relaxation and camaraderie. While the observance of Nollaig na mBan faded in some areas during the 20th century, it has seen a significant revival as a day to celebrate female community and friendship. Modern celebrations often involve women going out for meals or parties, particularly in areas like County Cork and Kerry where the tradition remains strong. Traditions associated with the day include lighting twelve candles on the eve of Women’s Christmas. The traditional meal served was often a roast goose or a scaled-down version of the Christmas feast.
Other Names and Historical Context
Little Christmas is also known as “Old Christmas,” a title stemming from a historical shift in calendars. The Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in 1582, correcting the Julian calendar’s overestimation of the solar year, which caused the date to drift by about ten days. When Great Britain and its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, Christmas effectively shifted from January 6th to December 25th.
Groups who resisted the change, such as some communities in Appalachia and the Amish, continued to observe the traditional date, referring to it as Old Christmas. In Spanish-speaking countries, January 6th is widely known as Three Kings Day, a major holiday for gift-giving. In the Scottish Highlands, however, the term “Little Christmas” refers to New Year’s Day, January 1st.