In England their festivities continue twelve days. Twelfth Night is
sometimes called “Old Christmas,” as it was the day celebrated as
Christmas before the almanac was changed. The change was made by Pope
Gregory XIII., during the year 1752. Therefore Twelfth Night has its
own peculiar festivities. In some portions of England they have a large
gathering of friends. During the evening two dishes of little frosted
cakes are passed round, one for the gentlemen and one for the ladies.
In each there is one cake with a ring, and one with a broken sixpence.
The two who get the ring will be married before the year is out. The
broken sixpence indicates an old bachelor or an old maid; but if the
two agree to join their broken sixpence, there is a chance for them. So
says the old tradition.
A lady, whose early youth was spent in England, says where she lived
Twelfth Night was celebrated especially by the children. At their
social parties they selected a king and queen, who regulated the
festivities of the evening. Sometimes the lady of the house prepared
cards, with various figures written or drawn upon them, among them a
king and queen. Each child drew a card on entering, which designated
the character he or she was to represent. Of course the lady managed to
slip the cards of king and queen into the hands of those best able to
preside.
In one of our small cities, where there are several families who unite
in keeping Twelfth Night every year, they have but one ring, and
whoever gets it must give the party the next year.