Exploring the Roots of Twelfth Night: Uncovering the Origins and Meaning Behind Shakespeare’s Classic Comedy
Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies, is known for its witty dialogue, mischievous pranks, and mistaken identities. However, the play is also steeped in ancient customs and traditions that were observed during the Christmas season in medieval England. These customs provide a deeper understanding and context for the play and offer insight into the social and cultural norms of the time.
The origins of Twelfth Night can be traced back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which was celebrated in late December. The festival was a time of revelry, feasting, and the exchange of gifts. It also marked the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, and the beginning of the new year. Many of the customs and traditions associated with Saturnalia were later adopted by the early Christians and incorporated into the Christmas holiday.
From the Twelve Days of Christmas to Misrule and Revelry: The Ancient Traditions that Shaped Twelfth Night
One of the most important customs of the Christmas season was the Feast of Fools, which was celebrated on January 1st. The feast was a reversal of social roles were peasants and commoners would dress up in elaborate costumes and perform parodies of the church service, often electing a “Lord of Misrule” to preside over the festivities. This custom was later incorporated into Twelfth Night, where the character of Sir Toby Belch acts as the “Lord of Misrule”.
Another important custom was the baking of a special cake called a “Twelfth Cake”. The cake was made with sugar, spices, and dried fruit and was often decorated with a paper crown. A bean or pea was also hidden in the cake, and whoever found it was declared the “king” or “queen” of the festivities. This tradition is also reflected in Twelfth Night, where the character of Sir Andrew Aguecheek is described as “a knight that you brought in one night here, to be her wooer” because of his status as the newly crowned “king” of the Twelfth Night celebrations.
The play also reflects the social norms and expectations of the time. In medieval England, the roles of men and women were strictly defined, and marriages were arranged for reasons of social and economic advantage rather than love. Twelfth Night challenges these conventions by portraying a gender-bending love triangle between the characters of Viola, Orsino, and Olivia. Viola disguises herself as a man and becomes Orsino’s page, Cesario, while Olivia falls in love with Cesario, not realizing that he is actually a woman in disguise. The play also incorporates themes of class and social status, contrasting the opulent lifestyle of Olivia with the rowdy merrymaking of Sir Toby and his companions.
In conclusion, the customs and traditions of medieval England provide a fascinating backdrop to Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. By exploring the origins of the play, we gain a deeper appreciation of the social and cultural norms of the time and the ways in which Shakespeare’s works reflected and challenged those norms. As we continue to celebrate this beloved holiday, let us remember the ancient customs and traditions that inspired one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies.