Twelfth Day Eve is this year on January 5, 2024
Trettondedagsafton, also known as Twelfth Night or Epiphany Eve, is a holiday celebrated on the evening of January 5th in Sweden. It marks the end of the Christmas festivities and is a time for traditions and celebrations.
Trettondedagsafton has a historical and religious background. According to Christian belief, it is the day when the three wise men, or the Magi, visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem and presented their gifts. It also symbolizes Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River.
Traditionally, Trettondedagsafton is a day for removing Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree. It is common for people to clean up and put away their holiday ornaments to mark the end of the Christmas season.
Another tradition on Trettondedagsafton is participating in the 'star boys' processions. Children and young people dress up as the three wise men and go from house to house, singing Christmas carols. They are rewarded with candy or small gifts.
It is also common to have a special meal on Trettondedagsafton. A traditional dish is 'Trettondedagsgröt' or Twelfth Night porridge, made of rice and almond. A hidden almond is placed in the porridge, and whoever finds it is believed to have good luck for the coming year.