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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.