Why do you leave Christmas lights up till January 6th?

Leaving Christmas lights up until January 6th is a tradition tied to the Christian liturgical calendar and the celebration of Epiphany. Epiphany marks the end of the 12-day Christmas season and is a time when Christians commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men (the Magi) to visit the newborn Jesus. This holiday is often referred to as the Twelfth Night, as it falls 12 days after Christmas Day (December 25th).

Here’s a breakdown of why many people leave Christmas lights up until January 6th:

1. The Christmas Season:

• 12 Days of Christmas: The Christmas season, according to Christian tradition, begins on December 25th and lasts for 12 days, ending on January 6th with the celebration of Epiphany. This is often called the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” which is also the inspiration for the popular carol.
• Symbolizing the Full Celebration: By leaving decorations up through January 6th, people continue to celebrate the full Christmas season, honoring both the birth of Christ and the visit of the Wise Men. This tradition allows the festive spirit to continue for the entire duration of the holiday period.

2. Epiphany (January 6th):

• Epiphany Celebration: January 6th is a significant date in many Christian traditions, especially in cultures like those in Europe, Latin America, and Eastern Orthodox countries. It marks the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the visit of the Magi, and the end of the Christmas season. In many cultures, Epiphany is as important as Christmas Day itself.
• Feasts and Celebrations: In many countries, Epiphany is celebrated with special church services, feasts, and even gift-giving (similar to how Christmas is celebrated). Keeping the Christmas lights on until Epiphany helps extend the holiday spirit and marks the official end of the season.

3. Twelfth Night and Shakespeare:

• Twelfth Night Festivities: In the past, Twelfth Night, which is the evening before Epiphany (January 5th), was a major festive occasion. It was traditionally a time for feasting, revelry, and merrymaking, marking the end of the Christmas period. In Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night, the holiday is filled with joy, and people would often celebrate with parties, songs, and celebrations.
• Cultural Tradition: In many places, it’s a cultural custom to leave decorations up until this time, and to take them down on January 6th (or the evening of January 5th, Twelfth Night), signaling the end of the festive season.

4. Practical Considerations:

• Weather and Convenience: In colder climates, people often wait until after the New Year to take down their Christmas lights, especially if the weather is not conducive to outdoor work. Leaving lights up until January 6th allows families and communities to enjoy their decorations without rushing to remove them right after Christmas.
• Extended Celebrations: Many people host parties or enjoy family time through the New Year, so keeping the lights up until January 6th allows for an extended period of enjoyment.

5. Symbolism of Light:

• Symbol of Hope and Joy: Christmas lights are often seen as a symbol of warmth, hope, and joy during the darkest days of winter. Since Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season and the manifestation of Christ to the world, the lights can symbolize the spread of light and joy to all people, continuing the message of the season until January 6th.

Conclusion:

Leaving Christmas lights up until January 6th allows people to fully embrace the Twelve Days of Christmas and honor the Epiphany tradition. It’s a way of marking the complete cycle of Christmas celebrations, extending the joy and festive spirit until the very end of the holiday season. While not everyone follows this tradition, it is an important custom for many, especially in more traditional Christian households or communities.